Local News
City of Edmond employees benefit from wellness programs
EDMOND — Melisa Vinson is more conscientious about what she eats since she came to work for the City of Edmond two years ago
A wellness program keeps her energized by exercising, attending the healthy lunches, participating in health screenings and “being more proactive and preventative than reactive when something does happen,” she said.
The City of Edmond offers a comprehensive wellness program to its 652 employees and is certified as a healthy business through the Oklahoma Turning Point this year, said Vinson, the City of Edmond benefits specialist in the human resources department.
Much like with other employers offering similar benefits, wellness programs save the city money by minimizing insurance costs, improving productivity and minimizing absenteeism, said Vinson, a certified health promotion director through the Cooper Institute.
The city’s insurance package covers the first $300 of wellness benefits, but the city goes beyond that with its Wellness Wins program.
Employee fitness is enhanced through partnerships with the University of Central Oklahoma Wellness Center and the Edmond YMCA. Employees also may choose to walk, jog or bicycle with other city employees while earning points for work days off or gift certificates to local sporting good stores. Employees also can redeem their points for wellness cups and gym bags.
City employees received wellness points Wednesday afternoon by helping Edmond’s elderly or those needing assistance place fallen tree branches on the curbside.
They also receive wellness points for attending wellness seminar training. For example, a physician presents a health topic each month for a healthy lunch series that employees may attend. Dental checkups, annual physicals and eye exams each provide wellness points.
“We also sponsor employees for the Oklahoma City Memorial Marathon 5-K. We pay the registration fee,” Vinson said.
Each February, the city sponsors a free health fair in which city employees need not pay for lab testing for blood work. Employees’ flu shots and four specialty health screenings are paid for by the city.
“We offer weight management classes twice a year and let families participate in that,” Vinson said. “We did a 10,000-step challenge where we provided odometers to families that sign up.”
Wellness is a quality benefit offered by the city, said Linda Vaughn, who works in the purchasing department.
“It’s an every day reminder,” Vaughn said. “I think in the long-run it benefits our health care. And I think we probably have one of the better wellness programs.”
- Local News
-
-
Edmond bank agrees to improve policies, practices
State and federal regulators have given an Edmond bank a deadline for submitting a written plan to strengthen oversight of bank management and operations.
-
Governor’s race brings in Edmond cash
Fervor for the 2010 gubernatorial race is bringing in a flood of money for political action committees.
-
Panel tables county jail issue
An advisory panel Friday rejected a recommendation calling for county commissioners to pursue a new estimated $330 million jail, then voted to revisit the issue at a later date.
- 2-6 Rescued animals
-
Ex-Quest CEO pleads to false certification
A former Quest CEO admitted he failed to disclose his unlawful diversion of $10 million in SEC filings, U.S. Attorney Sanford Coats announced Friday.
-
McLinn graduates basic
Air Force Airman 1st Class Kory D. McLinn graduated from basic military training at Lackland Air Force Base, San Antonio, Texas.
-
Edmond Baha’i to support imprisoned leaders
A special devotional gathering is slated for Sunday at 10 a.m. at the Edmond Baha’i Center, 321 East Campbell Drive, just west of the University of Central Oklahoma clock tower.
-
2-6 Calendar
Edmond community events
6 SATURDAY
A University of Central Oklahoma student will claim the title of Miss Black UCO at 7 p.m. in the UCO Mitchell Hall Theater. Sponsored by the Multicultural Student Services and the Black Student Association, the pageant awards the winner a $1,600 scholarship and gift basket, the first runner up an $800 scholarship and the second runner up a $600 scholarship. -
2-6 Calendar: Edmond senior center
Monday
10 a.m.: Advisory Committee Meeting
1 p.m.: *Beginning Tap
2:15 p.m.: *Jazzercise Lite -
Edmond school board candidates face voters
Two Edmond Board of Education candidates for District 5 faced off Thursday evening as more than 50 people listened to their views on issues important to voters.
- More Local News Headlines
-
