[img_inline align=”right” src=”http://padnws01.mcmaster.ca/images/HealthyWorkplaceAward.jpg” caption=”Hamilton Healthy Living presents a recognition certificate to several Healthy Workplace Group members, from left, Lisa Janzen (Hamilton Healthy Living), Wanda McKenna, Andrianna Kabitsis, Dave Stevens, Julie Fairservice and Debra Earl.”]McMaster will have its pulse on wellness next week as it celebrates National Healthy Workplace Week from Oct. 25-29.

This celebration begins Monday with a Kick Off Open House from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. in the foyer of Wentworth House. Employees are invited to come by for healthy snacks, refreshments, a free step counter and a tour of the new McMaster Physiotherapy and Rehabilitation Centre. As well, prizes will be awarded and information booths will be on display.

The event is organized by McMaster's Healthy Workplace Group (HWG), which was awarded a certificate of recognition from Healthy Living Hamilton last night (Wednesday) at the Healthy Living Hamilton Annual Member's Celebration.

“The award symbolizes what we set out to do two years ago,” says Wanda McKenna, manager of Employee Work-Life Support Services, and chair of the Healthy Workplace Group. “We established the Group in 2002, to bring together and better promote, the many services and resources available at McMaster which support employee health. Next week's National Healthy Workplace Week is a great example of how we're achieving that.”

A variety of lectures on well-being, nutrition and the safety of young workers will take place throughout the week and there will be exercise sessions like Tai Chi, cycling and core stability, a healthy cooking demonstration and a running clinic. All sessions are free to employees and available on a first-come, first serve basis. Prizes will be awarded at most of these sessions.

“This week's theme is 'My Health is My Wealth' and I'm sure this slogan will have a very special meaning for many McMaster employees who may have experienced the challenge of serious illness, either for themselves or their family,” says President Peter George. “The week's activities will provide such useful things as healthy cooking, stress reduction, fitness tips, complementary services and much more. It is my sincere hope that all McMaster employees, in all lines of work, will take advantage of the programs offered this week.”

The Healthy Workplace Group is comprised of 15 employees from across campus. It promotes health and wellness and offers a growing array of health promotion services for employees.

“This group is vital to McMaster,” McKenna says. “It helps ensure employees are healthy, satisfied and engaged in their jobs. Not only does this help us retain, but also recruit potential employees because we know people are looking for more than salary and benefits. They also want a pleasurable, active and healthy work environment.”

Healthy Workplace Week events:

Monday, Oct. 25

• Open House celebrating Healthy Workplace Week, 11 a.m.-2 p.m., Wentworth House.

Tuesday, Oct. 26:

• Well-being for Stressful Times with Richard Earle, 1-2 p.m., Health Sciences Centre, Rm. 2J36b/c
• Investing in Young Workers, with Rob Ellis, 2-3:30 p.m., Convocation Hall.

Wednesday, Oct. 27

• Free Massage Therapy, 9 -12 p.m., Wentworth House, Rm. 102 Call ext. 23575 to book a 15-minute massage. (All sessions booked)
• Truth about Carbs? Led by Donna Weldon, 12-1 p.m., MUSC CIBC Banquet Hall, Rm. 314/5
• Tai Chi with Rosalind Grant, 12-1 p.m., MUSC CIBC Banquet Hall, Rm. 308/9
• Running Clinic, with Craig Taylor, 1-1:45 p.m., meet at Wentworth House

Thursday, Oct. 28:

• Cycle With Confidence. 12 p.m. and repeated at 1 p.m., meet at Wentworth House.
• Cooking Demo for a Balanced Diet with Gord Cooledge, 1-2 p.m., MUSC CIBC Banquet Hall, Rm. 308/9

Friday, Oct. 29:

• Alpine Tower Open Climb, led by Wayne Terryberry, 8:30 a.m.-12 p.m. Free mini complementary sessions, by Donna Curran, 10 a.m.-2 p.m., DTC, Rm. 202
• Core Stability: More than Just Abs! with Colleen Cupido, 12-1 p.m., Mezzanine, Ivor Wynne Centre

For more details on events, prizes and speakers and to register online click here.

Healthy Workplace Group members include Linda Axford, Colleen Cupido, Debra Earl, Ingrid Ellis, Julie Fairservice, Andrianna Kabitsis, Debra Kigar, Debbie Marinof-Shupe, Wanda McKenna, Susan Mitchell, Lisa Morine, Nancy Plews, Sheila Rieth, Harry Shannon, and David Stevens.