Heroes Recognized for Health, Wellness

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They climbed up stairs, shared healthy meals with co-workers and learned new things about health conditions during lunch. And now, seven of your colleagues are being recognized for their efforts toward a healthier lifestyle.

The newest Quarterly Wellness Heroes were announced this week and they are:

  • Nelia DeGuzman – HHSA
  • Jennifer R. Nelson – Public Works
  • Arnel Encabo – HHSA Behavioral Health
  • Dana Hua – Public Works
  • Azucena Martinez – HHSA Edgemoor
  • Sylvia I. Brown – HHSA East Children Services
  • Claudia J. Castro – HHSA Fiscal Services

Wellness Coordinator William Erese, said that Quarterly Wellness Heroes are selected from County employees who have “actively participated in most of the Wellness Programs for the quarter” – things like Lunch and Learns, the Amazing Race, Stairwell Challenge and most recently, the 5 on 5 Online Nutrition Challenge.

Sylvia Brown, who is an office assistant for the East Region Neighborhood for Kids and active participant in most Wellness programs, said one of her favorite events at East Region involved healthy food.

“We aren’t always able to have cooking demonstrations, but when we did, I learned a new recipe for quinoa and loved it!” she said. “I hope we are able to have more at East Region.”

Brown said she doesn’t consider herself a hero, but if learning to be healthier helps her colleagues to be healthy, she’s OK with the title.

“I think it really encourages me to be a good example and continue to try to excel in this wonderful new way of living,” she said. “I think it is a fun and challenging new way of living. Sometimes when we see others having fun becoming healthy we want to do it, too!”

Erese encourages employees to constantly be active in the various activities offered to help expand hero recognition across the County.

Winners and participants of each challenge receive prizes like cookbooks, gym bags, juicers and more. But for employees like Brown, the programs give much more than tangible rewards.

“It’s about loving yourself enough to give yourself the gift of a healthier life so your families can have you around longer. “

Find out more about the Quarterly Wellness Challenges at the Employee Wellness Program website.