8 May 2008

Workplace Health Challenge Awards

Twelve teams have recently participated in the second annual Workplace Health Challenge Awards.

Organised by the Southern Health and Social Care Trust, the Workplace Health Challenge encourages healthier lifestyles by promoting the benefits of physical activity and a healthy diet.

The challenge encouraged 60 staff from the Craigavon and Banbridge locality of the Trust to make positive changes to their everyday health.

“Adults are recommended to participate in a minimum of 30 minutes of moderate intensity exercise on at least five days of the week and to eat five portions of fruit or vegetables per day,” explains Valerie Gough, Health Promotion Officer with Southern Health and Social Care Trust.

“These are the simple messages we have been sending out to participants as small changes can have a significant impact on health and wellbeing. All of the teams involved have been truly dedicated and I would like to congratulate everyone who took part. I sincerely hope they will continue to maintain the healthy lifestyle and continue to feel great!”

The overall winner of the Workplace Health Challenge 2008 was the ‘Zdrava Banda Team’ from the Southern Health and Social Care Trust who had consistently high results over the six week challenge.

The remaining three trophies went to the ‘Motivators’ as Most Improved Team, 2^nd place trophy to ‘Speechies Team’ and 3^rd place to ‘Brain Injury Team’.

Valerie Gough highlighted that the Workplace Health Challenge was a great opportunity for staff to reach the health targets. Participants felt the challenge had a positive effect not only on them but was an encouragement for family and friends to make lifestyle changes also.