A big “Thanks” and shout-out for our Albert Lea employers. We hear so much that is grim about businesses that I want to take this opportunity to applaud a more positive story. A consequence of the original Blue Zones Project in Albert Lea several years ago was the creation of the Chamber’s Worksite Wellness Committee representing many of our large and small companies that has met monthly ever since. Members and faces change over time, but always strive to promote the well-being of all of our workers: from teachers to meat-packers, from salad producers to nursing home caregivers. They work at sharing ideas and proven projects, support new ideas, and roll their sleeves up to help each other’s worksites.

As a volunteer member of this committee, I have witnessed great results and progress. In alliance with the new Blue Zones Project and National Vitality Center, our businesses are seeing improved meals, snacks and meeting foods. On the job stretching and exercise programs have been started. New or improved lactation rooms for new working mothers are in place. Water stations alongside more option vending machines, tobacco free campuses, and stand up desks, bike racks, employee gardens plus more can be found. Some companies promote physical activities for break times including a pickle ball court, basketball hoop, and pool tables! More local resources are being promoted and used such as weight management, cooking classes, onsite health risk assessments and biometric testing. Our Chamber of Commerce rewards companies each year for worksite wellness achievements. Seventeen companies are Blue Zone Designated worksites, meeting high standards. Several more businesses are pending designation.

The commitment of owners and managers to healthier and happier workers, the energy and resources of Blue Zones, the expertise of Public Health and the medical community all contribute to the improving health of our workers and our community.

 

Carole Bower

Albert Lea