NorthBay Success Story: A Department Fitness Journey
ACI’s CORE Wellness program is passionate about helping organizations drive engagement with total well-being solutions. NorthBay Healthcare, an ACI wellness client in Northern California, has experienced a wellness revolution within the company since implementing CORE Wellness. The employees of the Health at Home and Hospice department have truly embraced the idea of self-care, and have become a strong support system for one another along their wellness journey. Here is their amazing story.
Caring is one of the four C’s of NorthBay, but many dedicated caretakers often overlook the importance of self-care. The individuals within Health at Home and Hospice were no exception, until this year. Invited by Linda Pribble, Wellness Coach Jamie Boasso arrived, tennis balls and essential oils in hand, to remind Northbay Healthcare employees that health and well-being should be a top priority. From that first day, the Health at Home and Hospice department was hooked.
Multiple people signed up for one-on-one wellness coaching, attended Functional Medicine, and joined Wellness Challenges. The department hid the candy bowl and changed “potlucks” to “salad breaks.” Fitbit has become the “trendy” fashion accessory. Not even birthday cake was safe. Eileen Smith, amazing baker that she is, was forced to make healthy birthday treats, stating: “You are all making this very hard.” Kim Alta introduced jicama into the inaugural taco salad bar. Jeanette Demma keeps the office in “spa water” with healthy lemon and cucumber. Jill Fowler incorporated gluten-free breakfast into department meetings. Charla Harrison provided delicious soups and turkey chili for cold days. Gina Guzzo became a Functional Medicine, health, and walking mentor; Vita Marks won the “Fruit and Veggie” challenge; Jeanette Demma won the “Biggest Loser” challenge. Irma Lechuga and Maribeth Salmeri became the walking champions of the hugely successful Walking Challenge, and Janet Ralston and Elaine Bryant began a morning yoga group.
The entire Health at Home and Hospice department has become a support system for each other, exchanging recipes, quick meal tips, and hiding the Chinese food. This force for change continues to grow as more and more department staff embrace a healthier lifestyle. Here is what some of the amazing Health at Home and Hospice employees have to say about the journey so far:
Tara Sharifzadeh
“I started my health journey in May 2016. Jamie began by modifying my diet and encouraging me to walk (even if it was just during my 15-minute break). She was more than a wellness coach; she was my advocate for my health. After a few months of no success, Jamie encouraged me to seek assistance from our wonderful Functional Medicine department. I can’t express how thankful I am for Karin and Dr. Hassid; they truly went above and beyond to find answers and solutions personalized to me. There I learned the impact that foods such as gluten, sugar, artificial sugar, soy and corn had on my health. Thanks to Jamie, Functional Medicine and the support of my family and coworkers, I have dropped 22 pounds. From this journey, I have learned what my body needs and have truly embraced this lifestyle change. I have never felt better!”
Elaine Bryant
“I began my own personal journey in early April after Gina Guzzo suggested seeing Jamie. Jamie’s helpful suggestions, gentle reminders, and honest answers kept me going. During that time, I discovered that logging food isn’t really that hard, non-buttered theater popcorn has over 1,000 calories, and that weight loss can actually be fun! Learning to stick to 1,200 calories a day, I managed to get my Starbucks drink down from 400 calories to 135 (hint: no whipped cream), and embraced fish. I am now a size 6 from a very uncomfortable size 10.”
Jeanette Demma
“My journey began with the realization that I needed to do something, because I wasn’t getting any younger. In May, I joined the “8 Week/8 Pounds” challenge. I bought a Fitbit, added “My Fitness Pal” (a free app which syncs with the Fitbit and makes it super easy to track food) to my phone, and started walking. I walked away 18.5 pounds in those 8 weeks, realizing “I can do this!: and that slow and steady is good. The weight didn’t come on overnight, so I shouldn’t expect it to come off overnight. My oncologist strongly approved of the 8-week challenge, noting that the length of time would get me conditioned for walking and set me up for continuing to walk after the challenge was over. As always, he was right. As a result, I’ve gotten my youngest child on the path to walking too, which our dogs are totally benefiting from. Thank you, Jamie, for all the encouragement!”
Maribeth Salmeri
“I posted this message a while back on Facebook thanking NorthBay for getting my behind up and walking. For a while I’ve been overwhelmed with taking care of my husband Pete, home and work. I have neglected myself and my overall health for a long time, Since the challenge, I’ve been trying to walk at least 1 hour a day and even after dinner. A big thanks to my walking buddies Irma and Vita who have pushed me to keep going. A high five also to Elke Duffy; we constantly pass each other up; she is a walking machine! My husband Pete has actually said I’m obsessed now. I won’t go a day without walking. I’m 5 pounds less since the challenge…hooray! I know I have a long way to go, but I’m determined to continue.”
Vita Marks
“Eating healthier and walking more is truly a hard journey with so many hurdles; I simply could not have done it without our department. From walking daily (my coworkers remind me to come out of my cubicle cave,) to incorporating healthy department celebrations, sharing recipes, and being there for each other while we go through food changes and deal with being “hangry,” healthier habits have become routine. But most of all, I’m excited about the wonderful changes we are slowly noticing. Jamie’s enthusiasm has empowered us to unite together as a team, help each other overcome hurdles, and make important lifestyle changes. Thank you, Jamie, for being our “cheerleader” in wellness. You are amazing!”