Feature Article:::...

Health department employees stay focused, lose 144 pounds

By: Michele Shelton

The Sullivan County Regional Health Department has a new Employee Wellness Program, and the employees’ response has been astonishing.

The Employee Wellness Program has implemented a state of Tennessee Program called GetFitTN. It has been an outstanding resource for the employees.

You can check your BMI, the caloric recommendations based upon your lifestyle, a fitness tracker, diabetes recommendations and get advice from a licensed nutritionist and fitness trainer.

Although the Employee Wellness Program is exclusively for Sullivan County Health Department employees, anyone can use the GetFitTN program and it is FREE.

Recently the employees were challenged by Michele Shelton, their employee wellness coordinator, to lose a combined 60 pounds in 60 days. They signed a pledge card dedicating their commitment to their weight loss goal, healthier eating habits, getting more exercise, and drinking more water.

The result to this challenge was phenomenal! The employees not only met the intended goal but had surpassed everyone’s expectations by losing an incredible 144.5 pounds! We were all astonished that we had doubled our projected weight-loss goal.

This took a team effort of positive mindset that proved to be a success. To be successful an individual should always set a reasonable goal, develop a plan of action in how to achieve that goal, and create a support system that will be encouraging and enriching.

The employees have done exceptionally well in their first challenge. We are proof that in having a positive attitude and staying focused, a goal can be achieved.

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Michele Shelton is employee wellness coordinator for the Sullivan County Regional Health Department.