Ernst Daniel bought a bike helmet at BWH’s Employee Wellness Day.

Ernst Daniel, a Biomedical Engineering manager, was eager to attend BWH’s Employee Wellness Day so he could learn more about the various health and wellness offerings available to employees.

Cabot Atrium was abuzz with excitement during the Sept. 24 event, with nearly 700 employees visiting an assortment of tables that provided free giveaways and shared resources about everything from smoking cessation and spiritual services to primary care, weight management, reiki and more.

Daniel visited several tables, including the nutrition table, where he talked with BWH nutritionists about the importance of building a balanced meal, and the Shop on the Pike table, where he purchased a bike helmet and learned about bike safety.

Carin Bennett-Rizzo, director of BWH Occupational Health, says she was delighted with the event’s turnout.

“In the Employee Pulse Survey, many shared that wellness is a top priority for them,” said Bennett-Rizzo. “We take such extraordinary care of our patients at BWH, and to continue to do that, we must make our own health and wellness a top priority.”

In addition to creating new wellness opportunities at BWH for employees, such as a yoga pilot coming this fall, the hospital is working to expand offerings to employees who work nights, weekends and offsite, including hosting an off-hours employee wellness fair.

Michael Sullivan, a senior administrative assistant for BWPO Billing Compliance, also attended the fair. Since quitting smoking earlier this year, he says he has struggled with his weight. Sullivan learned about the offerings available to employees, including resources for weight management.

“I want to be a healthier person, and this is a great place to start,” said Sullivan. “As an employee, it’s important to me that I take advantage of the resources available at the hospital to help me reach my health goals.”

At the Employee Assistance Program (EAP) table, Lucila Leone, LMHC, CEAP, an employee assistance counselor, discussed ways to manage stress and handed out skin thermometers—small, round stickers that change color based on stress level.

BWHC President Betsy Nabel tests out a skin thermometer at Employee Wellness Day.

Daniel Woodman, of Spiritual Care Services, and colleagues served tea in china cups and promoted the various spiritual care resources available to employees.

The fair also featured samples of heart-healthy foods, including apples and autumn quinoa, as well as a series of 20-minute talks on various wellness-related topics, such as sleep, chair yoga, meditation and resiliency.

In partnership with Blue Cross Blue Shield—whose representatives were available at the event—BWH has also launched a free online interactive health and wellness website for employees and their dependents called “A Healthy Me.” The innovative tool allows employees to set wellness goals, take online workshops and track progress. More information is available at BWHPikeNotes.org and will be included in employees’ benefits information packets later this month. To log into the site, visit www.ahealthyme.com/login.

View more photos from the event.