D&S Manufacturing Promotes Wellness Initiatives to Improve Employee Health and Welfare

Michael Dougherty, President of D&S Manufacturing (Black River Falls, WI), recently outlined the company?s involvement in a series of wellness programs designed to improve morale, reduce absenteeism and encourage lifestyle changes that will positively impact the health of its employees. According to Dougherty, ?We believe it is important to provide our employees with access to services that may identify emerging health problems that could be avoided or minimized through minor changes in diet and exercise,? he stated.

On Thursday, August 14, 2008, D&S partnered with its insurance provider and Gundersen Lutheran Occupational Health in offering free, optional risk assessments and screenings for employees and their spouses. For those who avoid scheduling regular medical examinations, Dougherty observed, the convenience of participating in health care evaluations, including bone density and skin cancer testing, at their place of employment is a welcome option. The company plans to offer these programs on an annual basis and is striving to include more wellness topics, such as nutrition and exercise, within its internal training initiatives.

D&S Human Resources Manager Sherrie Hein, coordinator of the event, emphasized that this is not the first corporate-wide health related program offered by the company. Hein had previously overseen the company?s participation in the proACTIVE Wellness Initiative through Black River Memorial Hospital. Volunteers in the program also received 6-8 weeks of educational programming and had continued contact with a Wellness Coordinator to track progress. ?These various company sponsored programs,? Hein revealed, ?continue to inspire employees to launch their own creative health initiatives, including a voluntary Holiday Challenge. Contestants are encouraged to stay in shape despite the stress, difficult weather changes and resulting weight gain often associated with the winter season through a series of weekly weigh-ins. Others have participated in programs such as Lighten Up Wisconsin, a four month team challenge that encourages members to make small, realistic and permanent changes in their dietary and exercise habits,? she concluded.

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