Town of High Prairie Mayor Linda Cox, left, and Big Lakes County Reeve Ken Matthews sign a document proclaiming October as Workplace Wellness Month. Behind them is High Prairie and District Regional Recreation Board programming co-ordinator Gayla Arams.

Richard Froese
South Peace News

Local municipal leaders are urging businesses and employers to get into the action during Workplace Wellness month in October.

“I think that promoting wellness in the workplace and in the community is something we should all support,” says Town of High Prairie Mayor Linda Cox.

Her county counterpart agrees with the campaign.

“It’s important to promote workplace well- ness,” says Big Lakes County Reeve Ken Matthews.
“The more physically fit we are in the workplace, the more productive we are and the less pressure there is on the healthcare system.”

The High Prairie and District Regional Recreation Board initiated the campaign and Alberta Health Services health promotions joined as a partner to host several events to raise the level of physical fitness in the workplace.

“It’s good to see the recreation board reach out,” Cox says.

Activities and events for the month-long Workplace Wellness Challenge will be launched Oct. 4 at noon at the Gordon Buchanan Recreation Centre in the performing arts centre.

“We are happy to provide an opportunity for individuals, businesses, and groups and organizations to foster interaction, teamwork, morale, pride and health,” recreation board programming co-ordinator Gayla Arams and AHS public health promotions facilitator Colette Elko state in a letter.

During the month, wellness workshops and physical activities have been scheduled for employees and other citizens.

“The key to having a successful workplace wellness program is by encouraging overall physical and mental health, immune function, alertness and self-confidence.”

For more information, phone the recreation office at [780] 523-3988.
Workplace Wellness Schedule of Events
Date Time Event
Oct. 4 12:15-12:35 p.m. Wellness Workshops
Gordon Buchanan Centre
Performing Arts Centre
Oct. 4 1:15-1:45 p.m. Wellness Workshops
Gordon Buchanan Centre
Performing Arts Centre
Oct. 4 TBA Nutrition with a Dietician
Oct. 11 TBA Diabetes and High Blood Pressure
[chronic disease]
Oct 18 TBA Mood and Physical Activity
(mental health)
Oct. 25 TBA Fitness for Work [addictions].
Work Wellness Activities [Oct. 6, 13, 20 and 27]
* Shinny at the Sports Palace noon to 1 p.m.
* Public skating at Gordon Buchanan Centre noon to 1 p.m.
* Aqua Z at Aquatic Centre 12:15 to 12:45 p.m.
* Deep Water Fitness at Aquatic Centre 1:15 to 1:45 p.m.
* Pound Fitness at Performing Arts Centre 12:15 to 1 p.m.