Case Study: Learning To Live Healthy At Hillyard Company

For this Unit’s assignment, I have chosen to elaborate on the “Learning to Live Healthy at Hillyard Companies, case study. Hillyard is a company that has been around since 1907 and has recently been influenced by an HR representative/ wellness coordinator, named Carrie Adams to promote health and wellness through a National Healthy Worksite Program, supported by CDC (Centers for Disease Control and Preventions). As a whole, this program aids companies to encourage and promote a healthier lifestyle for all employees working for a company that participates in one of their programs through physical activity and nutrition education. I believe, what Carrie Adams is doing for the Hillyard brand and employees is very appropriate, brilliant and mindful
Obesity today is a continuous struggle with society in general and I believe should not be a sensitive topic to discuss with employees in the workplace and community. Obesity is a serious illness that leads to cardiovascular disease, stroke, diabetes 1 and 2, bone health disorders and so much more. In addition, obesity can be fatal and lead to death if ignored. Furthermore, the Hillyard company recently completed an assessment/survey in the year of 2013 and unfortunately, the numbers of employees with health conditions; such as, high blood pressure, high cholesterol, diabetes and obesity have all increased due to a lack of physical activity and poor nutrition habits in and out of the workplace. Some changes that Hillyard has made to improve their scorecard ratings based on their follow up assessments and employee surveys and the quality of life in the workplace is by contracting with local vendors, schools, health and wellness facilities, dieticians to promote nutrition education and reaching out to the community for out of the workplace activities. For instance, Hillyard is an active member of health and wellness events in the St. Joseph community, and the company encourages its employees and their families to participate in these events, including a 12-week “Pound Plunge” challenge” (Cdc.gov,
For example, “Mosaic Life Care also ran the 8-week weight management class at Hillyard and encouraged employees to sign up for its biweekly health coaching sessions”(Cdc.gov, 2018). Last but not lease, “Hillyard also promotes staff involvement in St. Joe Fit, an annual program sponsored by several community partners, including the City of Joseph Parks, Recreation and Civic Facilities Department and the state and local health departments. The program includes weekly walking and cycling groups, healthy eating and exercise classes, and participants log their activities and miles to win prizes. Hillyard also sponsors local charity walks, like the St. Joseph’s Color Vibe 5k run, and pays registration fees for employees to participate”(Cdc.gov, 2018). Unfortunately, the Hillyard Company does not emphasize on childhood obesity, because it’s focused more on adults and older adults in the community. However, I believe childhood obesity can be addressed by reaching out to local schools and educating young children and young adolescents about child obesity and the important of eating healthier. In addition, I also believe that putting together local fun runs/walks for this age bracket is a good idea and way to promote physical and social activity. It may influence local schools to make changes to their school