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Michele Wiggins, a core cytogenetic technologist for the Munroe-Meyer Institute at UNMC, does yoga at the Center for Healthy Living. |
Their commitment to exercise paid dividends last week, as they were among 10 individuals and one group honored Thursday by the Wellness Council of the Midlands (WELCOM) with the William M. Kizer Light of Wellness Award. The winners were recognized for making successful changes in their health habits as a result of their companies’ wellness programs.
Wiggins, a core cytogenetic technologist for the Munroe-Meyer Institute at UNMC, has three young children under the age of seven but has maintained a vigorous exercise regimen before, during and after her pregnancies. She works out nearly every lunch hour at the UNMC Center for Healthy Living. Running, walking and power yoga are her primary workout activities.
“It’s good for me,” said Wiggins, who has worked at UNMC for nine years. “It helps me keep my stress levels down and keeps me in shape.”
An overnight lead nurse in the Adult Intensive Care Unit at The Nebraska Medical Center, Bernard started her healthy living program in September 2005 after being hospitalized for a medical condition. She started by taking walks in her neighborhood. Before long she was hooked and joined the on-site Wellness Center in the Clarkson Tower of The Nebraska Medical Center. She now works out five to six days per week and usually walks or jogs six miles or more during her workout.
The results have been spectacular.
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Nancy Bernard, an overnight lead nurse in the Adult Intensive Care Unit at The Nebraska Medical Center, works on an exercise machine in the Clarkson Tower Wellness Center. |
Bernard’s weight loss has been dramatic enough that some people might think she went through gastric bypass surgery.
“Not so,” she said. “I lost it through diet and exercise.”
In addition to Wiggins and Bernard, other Light of Wellness Award winners this year included:
Healthy BehaviorAward
- Fonda Cross – Omaha Public Power District
- Alice Danclar – Union Pacific Railroad
- Joan Lanahan – Creighton University
- Jerry McCaw – Omaha Public Power District
- Rich Nelson – First National Bank
- Alice Smith – Creighton University
Leadership Award
- Gary Gates – Omaha Public Power District
- Carol McCormick – Creighton University Medical Center
Team Award
- Westside Community Schools Board of Education
The Light of Wellness Award was created to recognize the founder and inspiration for worksite wellness in America — William M. Kizer. An Omaha-native and business leader, Kizer founded WELCOM in 1982 and its national non-profit counterpart, the Wellness Councils of America, in 1987. He is the chairman of the board of Central States Indemnity. This marks the fifth consecutive year that WELCOM has given the awards.
Nominees have to meet criteria in five categories — social, physical, intellectual, spiritual and emotional health.
“To be nominated for the award, these individuals had to lead a healthy lifestyle and act as a role model for others,” said Howie Halperin, executive director of WELCOM. “They are the models of what Bill Kizer envisioned for worksite wellness and the positive impact it can have on individuals and the success of their companies.”
The Wellness Council of the Midlands (WELCOM), which has 135 corporate members, is a 501 (c)3 non-profit organization and the first wellness council established in the country. WELCOM educates companies on well workplace standards and recognizes them for achievement of excellence in health promotion at the worksite. Through trainings, workshops and roundtable discussions, WELCOM consults with companies to develop and improve their worksite wellness programs.