by Dino Asproloupos

Last issue we featured Van City Credit Union's workplace wellness initiative. This issue we skip across the waters from Vancouver to Victoria, British Columbia to report on a smaller Credit Union, Pacific Coast Savings.

On June 3rd, 300 Pacific Coast employees from across Victoria converged upon the Crystal Gardens to spring into their summer wellness plan. When each employee arrived, they walked into a wellness fair. Kiosks and tables lined the halls of the gardens with information on back safety, Worker's Compensation, occupational therapy, CPR, emergency First Aid, community summer recreation options, and two massage therapists.

The evening, slated as T.R.U.S.T. (Tomorrow's Results Ultimately Start Today) was the springboard into a Pacific Coast wellness initiative for all of their employees. Based on Lynne Beecroft's acronym, the staff at Pacific Coast arrived to learn about wellness, and to be entertained and motivated into action by three wellness speakers.

Dr. Collis took to the stage with Victoria-based musician Carolyn Neapole with an original upbeat "Pacific Coast Song" and "I Didn't Sleep Much Last Night". Martin then had the crowd in tears and laughter as he explored the unchanging factors that influence people's wellness. He spoke of the latest research, quoted widely from Plato to Bob Dylan, and reinforced his message with songs (alone and with Carolyn's band).

Next on the platform was Lara Lauzon. Lara, who hosts the internationally syndicated television fitness show "Body Moves", stepped up to energize the crowd. As the crowd stood, stretched, and laughed through fun fitness tips for the office, Lara relayed valuable information on workplace wellness.

Dr. Nancy Wardle then led the group through a session on the relaxation response. Nancy is physician based out of Vancouver who emphasizes the importance of mind/body medicine. Through captivating stories of her experience as a physician, Nancy communicated the medical implications of leading a "stressed-out" life. She then led the group through several guided meditations, and finished her presentation with a loud, affirming, 300 voice "YES!"

Martin stepped to the microphone to summarize the summer plan that encourages each employee to participate in small 25 calorie bouts of PHysical ACTivity. This approach to fitness and nutrition is summarized in his book, The Phacts of Life, which was ahead of its time in recognizing the importance of small increments of physical activity. Dr. Steven Blair, North America's leading epidemiologist in the area of exercise and lifestyle, found that 3 short bouts of moderate activity for 10 minutes almost matched the health benefits of one 30 minute workout. Driving home the message for Martin, Carolyn Neapole took to the stage as she sang a moving version of his original song, "It's Never Too Late".

Never Too Late

It's never to late to say that you're wrong
And admit to the feelings that you've harbored all along
And by the same token, when you're broken and small
It's never too late to stand tall

It's never too late to see what you might have seen
It's never too late to be what you might have been
You make the choice between OK and great
It's never too late to say it's never too late

Right and wrong and only words that simple people say
They're birds that fly in circles and can carry you away
You might be right from your side and I might be right from mine
So we'll take the grapes of dissonance and trample them to wine

And it's never too late for the magic
It's never too late to take a chance
Step out on the floor, there is always something more
It's never too late for the dance

And the music is more that the music
And we're dancing in a partnership with fate
Breath blends with breath, it could scare you death
Till the band plays "it's never too late"

Martin Collis

The staff each received a copy of Martin's book, and a TRUST logbook provided by Pacific Coast to monitor their summer activities. Each employee was asked to voluntarily record their daily activities in the logbook so that they could total how many Phacts they performed through the summer.

Pacific Coast coordinators, Cheryl Hanna and June Beattie, will collect the books to enter the participating staff in for several draw prizes in September. Prizes will be given to several categories including most creative Phact, most improved Phact-finder, best team-Phact activity, and numerous random draws for participating in the summer wellness plan. The grand prize (other than improved health, increased energy, increased self-esteem, lower blood pressure, and weight management - to name a few) will be a draw for two tickets to Disneyland. After Pacific Coast's September recognition evening and fall fashion show, the coordinators will evaluate the success of their summer wellness plan.

This is an excellent example of "grass roots" workplace wellness. The idea originated with two managers, who had each personally benefited from including daily physical activity into their lives. Their energy and enthusiasm spread throughout the head office and quickly received administrative support to design a program that would be available to everyone in the Pacific Coast family.

This year's Spring Into Summer has already received overwhelming support from the Pacific Coast staff (297 of the 300 employees present are registered and participating). Employees who were unable to attend the evening's festivities have contacted the coordinators for their logbook, a copy of Phacts of Life, and access to the video tapes of the evening presentation. Cheryl and June understand the difficulties of maintaining a wellness plan, and they have organized key emails to send out throughout the summer to keep the troops motivated. Pacific Coast continues to sponsor teams in the community for sporting and cultural events that accumulate PHACTS for each member's logbook. This is a central element in workplace wellness, as individuals are more likely to continue their wellness regiment if they have peer support (or pressure - as needed).

Pacific Coast Savings has created a win-win situation for their employees. Each member who was present has been introduced to the benefits of following a "well lifestyle". They understand the benefits of exercise, optimal nutrition, relaxation, and the power of their mind. They are gathering as individuals to get active and moving through walking, gardening, and playing with their kids. Others are continuing their training for marathons and triathlons. Some have donned uniforms and have taken to the softball diamond, the volleyball court, and the soccer pitch. All in all, they have all embraced the life changing philosophy, "It's Never Too Late".

For more information on Pacific Coast Savings Credit Union and their wellness plan, contact Cheryl Hanna at 380-3144. To book your company's wellness evening contact Dino Asproloupos at 250-721-6997 or dino@sonid.com.

"I thoroughly enjoyed the evening of Health and Wellness. It came at a very appropriate time in my life and became a perfect launch to the new me. Thanks for the inspiration."

L. Hogg

"I have been living with chronic pain due to arthritis for 3 years now and it seems to be getting progressively worse... My wellness goal is to move everyday. The wellness seminar has certainly encouraged me and I am making some progress."

A. Young