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Maintenance, building engineers are walking buddies

by Matthew Douglas
Public Relations
“Time for lunch.” When some hear this call they make their way to the cafeteria, for others it's time for a smoke break and for several more it’s a great opportunity to do some exercise. 

Five MUSC employees working in zone maintenance and building engineering have begun to walk 2.5 miles every day at lunchtime. “It all started because we wanted to get in better shape,” said building engineer Jennifer Monahan. 

The crew of five—Lester Dempsey, Roger Rowell, Brett Beckman, David Blick and Jennifer Monahan—has walked now for two months and several have quit smoking to further improve their health.  “I smoked for 40 years and in May it will be one year since I’ve had a cigarette,” said Roger Rowell, zone maintenance. “Now I walk every day and feel I have gained more endurance already.” 

Dempsey made a New Year's resolution this year to stop smoking and get in shape. 

“It’s been four months since I smoked. It helps that our group of walkers work in the only smoke-free maintenance zone on campus,” Dempsey said. 

“It used to hurt me to see all those guys out there killing themselves smoking cigarettes,” said Leslie Kendall, supervisor. “I am so happy that they walk during their lunch breaks instead of smoking cigarettes, they have much more energy now.”
 

Catalyst Online is published weekly, updated as needed and improved from time to time by the MUSC Office of Public Relations for the faculty, employees and students of the Medical University of South Carolina. Catalyst Online editor, Kim Draughn, can be reached at 792-4107 or by email, catalyst@musc.edu. Editorial copy can be submitted to Catalyst Online and to The Catalyst in print by fax, 792-6723, or by email to petersnd@musc.edu or catalyst@musc.edu. To place an ad in The Catalyst hardcopy, call Community Press at 849-1778.