NYC Health + Hospitals/Bellevue Employees Celebrate One-Year Anniversary of Health & Fitness Zone
Feb 22, 2018
NYC Health + Hospitals/Bellevue staff this week celebrated the one-year anniversary of the Health & Fitness Zone employee fitness center. The Health & Fitness Zone is a dedicated area in the hospital where employees go to exercise and de-stress from the fast-paced, high-pressure jobs at the busy hospital.
At the celebratory event held yesterday, employees rode stationary bikes, walked briskly on treadmills, and exercised in aerobics classes. The event also included consultations with dieticians, educational health information, and fresh fruit and other healthy snacks. NYC Health + Hospitals/Bellevue also launched the Biggest Loser, a 10-week weight-loss challenge that is open to all employees, with the winner to be named after April 25.
“The Health & Fitness Zone is one of the greatest things that Bellevue has provided to employees,” said Sophia Irving, Clerical Associate in Medical Records at NYC Health + Hospitals/Bellevue. “I have been going to the Fitness Zone on my lunchtime since it opened, and I am proud to say that I have lost 45 pounds. I not only feel better but I am healthier.”
“The Health & Fitness Zone is part of the hospital’s commitment to staff, and part of developing a culture of wellness. In order for us to care for our patients and their families and promote healthy living, we need to ensure that we too are healthy and model a healthy culture,” said Dr. Lin Lombardi, Chief Strategy Officer/Chief Experience Officer at the hospital.
The Health & Fitness Zone is utilized by more than 600 employees. It is open seven days a week, 24 hours a day, but the prime time is early morning and lunchtime. The Zone has a variety of cardio machines for employees to use, and crocheting and yoga classes are offered as stress relievers. Employees also have access to scales and blood pressure machines, so they can track their weight loss and blood pressure. Tai chi and meditation will be introduced in the near future.