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Wellness and Prevention Programs Are Making School Employees Healthy
While Virginia Beach City Public Schools is committed to improving the quality and academic achievement of its students, the Office of Consolidated Benefits is working hard to improve the quality of life, health, and productivity of our school employees. A national concern is finding creative ways to control medical costs. Certainly employers across the country are trying to hold down costs while improving employee health, morale, and productivity. We are proud to say that the Office’s Wellness & Prevention Program (W&P) has been at the forefront of the employee wellness movement for over 20 years!

W&P offers programs and services that encourage tobacco cessation, disease management, weight loss, fitness, cancer screenings, health education, and much more. Details about W&P programs are highlighted throughout the success stories below that detail school employees’ experiences. You can also find more information while surfing the W&P Web site, reading the Wellness Guide (located in your Employee Benefits Handbook), or talking with your worksite Wellness Ambassador. A Wellness Ambassador is a volunteer employee selected by the principal or department head to help W&P promote the program to its 11,000 eligible employees.

Meet the Wellness Staff…

Benefits of the School Employee Wellness & Prevention Program
• Decreased employee absenteeism
• Lower health care and insurance costs
• Increased employee retention
• Improved employee morale
• Fewer work-related injuries
• Fewer worker compensation and disability claims
• Attractiveness to prospective employees
• Positive community image
• Increased productivity
• Healthy employees make healthy role models for students

We’re happy to share three success stories experienced by school employees through the Wellness and Prevention Program.

Adele Falardeau, third-grade teacher, Green Run Elementary School
What motivated you to make healthy lifestyle changes?
I have a family history of high cholesterol and high blood pressure, so obviously, as my weight climbed, so did the cholesterol and blood pressure numbers. Also, because of my weight gain, I had heartburn and reflux problems. I couldn't go a day without medication to control it. One day, I finally decided to make a change because I wanted to be healthier.

Briefly describe the strategies you followed to bring about change.
I joined Weight Watchers and within 10 months I reached my goal weight. Now, I’m no longer on any medication.

How did the school system’s Wellness & Prevention Program assist you in making these changes?
In addition to Weight Watchers, W&P was a tremendous support and played an important role in helping me maintain a healthy lifestyle. The people involved in this program are absolutely fabulous.

What advice would you give to someone who wants to improve his or her health?
I would advise anyone who wants to improve his or her health to find a support system and use all of the resources available to them. Most important, you have to take it one day at a time and not become discouraged.

Julia Harrell, general assistant, Salem Elementary School
What motivated you to make healthy lifestyle changes?
It all began with a routine visit to my family physician. As a result of my poor health habits and newly diagnosed high blood pressure, the doctor told me I would be on anti-hypertensive medication for the rest of my life. That was, of course, contingent on my remaining unhealthy. This was the moment when I resolved to take my life back.

Briefly describe the strategies you followed to change.
It was clear I needed to be in a highly structured program that would require self-accountability. I was in what could be called a "health-rut" and needed a fresh perspective on health. Wellness & Prevention programs and seminars helped. Not to say that I instantaneously lost 25 pounds, but I was forced to change my thought process. I changed the way I thought about food by eating smaller portions and eliminating raw salt. I gradually increased my activity level and incorporated an exercise routine including brisk walking, bicycling, and elliptical machines. It became evident to me that in addition to changing my diet and activity level, I had to set aside quiet-time every day for stress-management to enhance overall well-being.

How did the school system’s Wellness & Prevention Program assist you in making these changes?
W&P helped me set goals, but also supplied all necessary resources to achieve those goals. They offered resources such as nutritionists, exercise instructors, health classes, and health screenings. I try to look at this program and the following things objectively: I am now 25 pounds lighter, currently off all previously prescribed high blood pressure medication, have increased quality of life and self-esteem, and have more energy than I have had in a very long time. Before making the changes I made, I caught more colds and had more ailments in general. As a result of becoming healthier, I have not been ill in two years. It seems being healthier makes you more immunocompetent and therefore less susceptible to common ailments. Well the proof is definitely in the pudding.

What advice would you give to someone who wants to improve his or her health?
First and foremost, find out what Wellness & Prevention has to offer and get involved. Second, get a detailed physical examination performed by a reputable physician. Begin to change the way you think about food (decrease your portions, avoid adding raw salt to cooked food, avoid fried foods, drink more water). Last but certainly not least, believe in yourself and never give up! If I can do it, I know you can also!

Pat Wohlford, administrative office associate, Office of Student Leadership
How did your health problem impact your life?
Diabetes has greatly impacted my life. I now have to think about every single bite I eat. I have to plan every meal and every snack. Fruit has always been my favorite food. Now I can eat only a very small amount of fruit, and I no longer drink juice. Also, so many social events involve food. Often I attend events, but I am unable to partake of the refreshments. I will never be able to resume eating the way I did in the past. This diet is permanent.

What single event motivated you to tackle the health problem and change your life?
The single event that motivated me the most was the diagnosis of diabetes. I was already following a healthy diet and going to the gym, but that diagnosis made me realize that I had to be totally committed to improving my health. I could no longer diet and exercise for a few days, binge eat a day or so, and then return to the diet and exercise plan. I have to work at this every day. There is no slacking off.

Briefly describe the strategies you followed to change?
I have to limit carbs and always eat protein with a carb. I have to exercise daily. Also, I must check my blood sugar at least twice a day.

What advice would you give to someone with a similar health issue who wants to improve his or her health?
Talk to your doctor and to someone in the Wellness Office. Wellness personnel helped me enroll in the Diabetes Disease Management Program. That program has been a tremendous help. Beverly, the nurse assigned to me, has helped keep me on track and arranged nutritional counseling through Optima. Wellness & Prevention also offers nutrition and exercise classes. Health Educators Babs Carlson and Terry Corrigan are frequent instructors for W&P and have changed some of my old ideas about nutrition and exercise. They have given me lots of information and tips. All of the above are excellent resources for diabetics.

What are your comments about the Consolidated Benefits Office’s Wellness Program?
They have truly helped me change my life. Old habits are hard to break, but they helped me change a lot of habits! When all of it seemed overwhelming, staff members kept telling me to make one small change at a time. I followed their advice and the changes started to pay off. I know that most of my progress is because of their help. I want to thank the entire Wellness staff for all their support. When I go to their office, I feel like I am going to meet my friends. Maureen Mullin, Lauren England, Renee Mixon, and Leslie Darden have been lifesavers.