At a company retreat two years ago, the board of Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta decided that in order to be role models for the children they serve, the company had to take serious steps to encourage employees to make long-term lifestyle changes.

From that retreat, CHOA created “Strong4Life,” a wellness program focused on taking care of employees, which in turn has helped them become more efficient at their jobs and provide healthcare-cost savings to the company.

“We have a number of clinicians that have lost significant weight and report having more energy and a more positive outlook,” says Linda Matzigkeit, senior vice president of strategic planning and human resources. “We think it adds to an already-passionate environment.”

The Strong4Life program began in June 2008 and is based on a four-pronged approach – support, nutrition, activity and fun. Employees first took part in fairs that allowed them to meet with healthcare professionals who offered such evaluations as blood-pressure and cholesterol screening, body-fat percentage and body-mass index.

After the initial health profiles were completed, employees could enroll in “YOU4Life,” a customized part of the Strong4Life program that gave employees access to weekly classes led by a fitness trainer and a  nutritionist, in addition to on-site exercise programs and continuous coaching.

“Our first year, we had more than 70% of our employees participate in at least one activity, such as the health-risk assessment. We were hoping for strong participation and were thrilled with that level,” Matzigkeit says.

More than 7,000 employees – divided among three hospitals and 16 neighborhood locations - constitute a work force that cares for metro Atlanta’s rapidly growing pediatric community. Company officials noted that in creating the wellness program, employees needed to focus on their health so that they could care for pediatric patients who were in need.

Since the program began, according to CHOA, employees have collectively lost more than 13,000 pounds. Several employees have lost more than 90 pounds, 15 have lost 30 or more pounds and 67 have lost at least 20 pounds.

Among other highlights are these: More than 900 million steps have been counted by employees’ pedometers;100%-healthful catering is provided on all CHOA sites; the company is 100% tobacco-free;
100% of executives participate in Strong4Life; and a number of employees have discontinued their cholesterol medications.

To encourage a lifestyle change, not simply a fitness program, employees can take advantage of CHOA’s wellness initiatives both during the workday and outside of work hours. Employees are also getting their families involved.

At a recent 5k race, CHOA had participation from 300 employees and 87 “friends,” who included spouses, friends and children of staffers, Matzigkeit says. She also pointed to an employee who lost 30 pounds; the employee’s husband also lost 30 pounds, and their two children each lost 10 pounds.

“One participant from our cardiac services noted that she wanted to be an example to her children, and Strong4Life was helping her do just that,” Matzigkeit says. “We are seeing a level of excitement about involving the entire family in the positive lifestyle changes.”

For more information about Strong4Life or YOU4Life, check out www.choa.org.