Worcester Business Journal

www.wbjournal.com November 23, 2015 • Worcester Business Journal 17 Brian Duffy, lead operating engineer in the Powerhouse Department at WPI, had been liing weights for years, but saw little improvement in recent months. So when WPI created a structured, centralized fitness, nutrition, and healthy living program, he decided to give it a try. Like Duffy, other members of the WPI community engaged in some form of exercise, but mainly in isolation. In 2013, WPI decided to change that. A number of staff in human resources began pulling together the pieces that would comprise a comprehensive, centralized wellness initiative. Connie Aramento, co-chair of WPI's Health and Wellness Working Group said, "We wanted to create a culture and community as part of a healthy lifestyle. So we found out what people wanted and brought those suggestions together." With the help of "home grown resources," the Healthy Herd was ready to launch. In January 2015, the Healthy Herd held its first Ultimate Challenge, a ten- week program that incorporates weight training/liing with cardiovascular workouts and non-weight activities. Deb Ofcarcik, who is a personal trainer and co-chair of the Health and Wellness Working Group, designed the workouts. "We wanted people to get familiar with the gym, and make more women comfortable in the gym," she said. "We also wanted to educate people that if you put in the effort, you don't need to spend an hour in the gym. We helped them apply the correct principles." Duffy became part of that first challenge and, under the guidance of Aramento, Ofcarcik and dietician Shavaun Cloran, he added cardio to his weight-training regimen, and also adopted some new eating habits. "Before, I would exercise, but got into a rut and really didn't have a clear understanding of what to do. I know this program was what I needed to reach my goals of eating healthier, losing weight and living a happier lifestyle, mentally and physically." WPI has sponsored two challenges and is in the process of planning a third. Every participant is asked to complete a health history and nutrition review, which offers a window into his or her current health status while identifying goals. Aramento, Ofcarcik, and Cloran provide specialized guidance for the individual regarding eating and exercise habits. "Each person is encouraged to get measurements, although it's not mandatory," Cloran said, pointing out that these benchmarks help track progress. In addition to the Ultimate Challenge, the Healthy Herd offers inspiration and information on a regular basis to any individual who wants to achieve better physical, emotional, and financial health. roughout the year, a variety of seminars addresses subjects of interest to a wide audience, from mindful eating, craving control, and meditation, to parenting teens, retirement planning, and caring for aging parents. Drawing upon resources from Harvard Pilgrim, WPI is able to bring various experts on campus to help individuals manage life better, whether that means reducing cholesterol, losing weight or decreasing anxiety, according to Eric Chojnowski, benefits administrator. Two recent presentations focused on "People Who Push Our Buttons" and "Getting Hooked on Exercise." Ofcarcik also emails daily "one-minute workouts" to an opt-in list with 60-second suggestions for stretching, meditating, performing yoga or working different muscle groups, which participants can do at their desks. To address matters of the mind, the Healthy Herd offers a Behavioral Conditioning Program under the direction of Billy e Coach. e four-week program focuses on learning about your behaviors and what drives them. e Healthy Herd's blog provides resources, a calendar of events, tips on nutrition and links to health-related technology tools. And a bi-monthly newsletter keeps the campus apprised of news, and features personal stories from individuals who have benefited from healthy lifestyle changes. Jessica Szymczak, benefits specialist, explained that the wellness initiative comes with a reward program. Participants are required to complete mandatory tasks, such as getting a physical and not smoking, in addition to doing more advanced tasks, including running a 5K or planting an organic garden. "We provide a wide range of activities for active and not so active people," she said. e wellness initiative is paying dividends for both participants and the college as well. WPI community members who adopt healthy behaviors have experienced benefits such as lower blood pressure and cholesterol and weight loss. A healthier workforce also means lower insurance premiums. Aramento reported that since Healthy Herd's implementation she's seen an uptick in gym activity. "ere has been a tenfold increase. More people are asking about Healthy Herd. We are connecting like-minded people," she said. "We don't separate work and life balance. Our goal is to achieve lifestyle balance. We've had success in a short period of time and are moving in a good direction." Duffy continues to work out with Ofcarcik and says that health and fitness are a big part of his life now. "My advice to others interested in more physical activity is to set realistic goals, track your progress, and make it fun. WPI coaches will provide you with all the tools and support to get you started and strive for progress, not perfection," he said. n HEALTHY HERD: Centralizing WPI's Wellness Initiative Harvard Pilgrim Health Care's Health Innovator Award "Worcester Polytechnic Institute has shown the same commitment to the health and wellness of their employees as they do with innovation. Simply put, WPI has effectively provided their staff with the tools to address physical, mental and financial health. In a short period of time, they have created an amazing initiative that raises the bar in wellness offerings in central MA. We are proud to partner with WPI and applaud their success with these initiatives." – Kate McEvoy-Zdonczyk, VP, MA Emerging Markets, Harvard Pilgrim Health Care (L - R) Jessica Szymczak, benefits specialist; Deb Ofcarcik, co-chair of the Health and Wellness Working Group; Eric Chojnowski, benefits administrator; Brian Duffy, lead operating engineer; Connie Aramento, co-chair; and Shavaun Cloran, dietician, collaborate to make the Healthy Herd a success. W hen Worcester Polytechnic Institute launched the Healthy Herd a mere eleven months ago, Harvard Pilgrim Health Care was so impressed with its ambitious programs, unique approach to health, and immediate success that the university earned the Harvard Pilgrim Health Care's Health Innovator Award. PHOTOS/WPI Brian Duffy experienced weight loss and improved health after participating in the Ultimate Challenge.

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