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By Elizabeth M. Poindexter
Pulmonary and Critical Care
It's that dreaded morning on the first floor of the Clinical Science Building, with three minutes left to clock in on the third floor. I'm hoping that all three elevators are working and wondering whether or not breakfast will fit in before the first morning meeting.
Hmm. The stairs are right around the corner. After considering it, the idea is affixed to some excuse about being late or the last muffin will be gone and taking the stairs is once again dismissed. Day after day, the elevator wins.
In an effort to promote awareness and employee health, MUSC is launching two new initiatives: Taking the Stairs and Healthy Snacking. Both are addressing problems that many employees face in that hectic morning, running late, got-to-catch-the-time-clock kind of day and any other day for that matter.
The surgeon general recommends the average person get 30 minutes of activity a day, the equivalent of 10,000 steps a day. Wow. That seems like a lot at first, but after breaking it down and adding in taking the stairs here and there, it is much easier to fathom. Employees will soon realize how 10,000 steps are actually attainable. The Stair Healthy Initiative works to remind employees of the great benefits of taking the stairs and encourage them to choose it. Soon, employees will see signs identifying staircases and reminding everyone that taking the stairs can take them one step closer to a healthier lifestyle.
Since the stairs may not be something one can consistently add to the daily routine, the second initiative may help for the "wonder if I'll get breakfast in" part of the day. A healthy snacking guide will be available to help assist employees in choosing the tastiest and healthiest meal and snack choices. By suggesting items from the cafeteria, as well as items that can be brought from home, the guide will give ideas on quick snacks that can help start the day off right or give a midday boost of energy the healthy way. These will be available in the cafeteria and online or with one of the many wellness champions on campus.
I developed these initiatives in partnership with MUSC Employee Wellness.
Employee Wellness events
MUSC Employee Fitness Series: A free step class will be held from 4:15 to 4:45 p.m., May 18 at the MUSC Wellness Center. E-mail musc-empwell@musc.edu.
"Eat This, Learn That" Lunch & Learn: Reserve your spot today via e-mail: nashatke@musc.edu. Class is scheduled from noon – 12:30 p.m., May 18 in Room 107, Colbert Education Center & Library.
City of Charleston "Bike to Work Day": MUSC Employee Wellness is partnering with the City of Charleston, Charleston MOVES! and MUSC Sustainability Office to encourage all employees in the Charleston area to ride their bikes to work on May 20. More information to follow, if interested in volunteering for this event, email musc-empwell@musc.edu.
Worksite screening: The next screening will be held May 25 in the Gazes Building, room 125. The screening is $15 with the State Health Plan and $42 without. Register at http://www.musc.edu/medcenter/ health1st.
Farmers Market May schedule:
• Horseshoe: Friday, May 27, 7:30 a.m. - 3:30 p.m.
• Charleston Memorial Hospital, every Friday 7:30 a.m. – 3:30 p.m. beginning May 6.
• Harborview Office Tower, every Friday, 7:30 a.m. – 3:30 p.m. beginning May 13
• No farmers market in the horseshoe May 13 and 20 due to commencement preparations.
• Find us on Facebook! Like our page and keep up with all the wellness events at MUSC.
Contact Susan Johnson at johnsusa@musc.edu to become involved in employee wellness at MUSC. Events, speakers, classes, or any other ideas are welcome.
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