Around the County —How are people celebrating King County Walks Week 2010? Auburn Public Health Center - submitted by Lisa Jaffee It sometimes takes a real incentive -- Public Health Week 2010’s promise of a handsome and handy spring-green shopping/tote bag! -- in order for us to leave the office environment and make it outside for a lunchtime walk. For several of us at Auburn Public Health, this incentive really worked! Our “walk champions”, Paddee Buzzard (Public Health Nurse) and Hypatia Ostojic (Social Worker), enthusiastically encouraged several small groups of Auburn PHC employees to join them and enjoy lively and stimulating group walks along a variety of different local routes. Some walks were especially scenic, such as our fairly short trek to a nearby duck pond. Many of us had no knowledge of the existence of this tranquil and restful spot, surrounded by lush greenery and an easy walking path. We loved seeing so many pairs of brightly-colored mallards, dabbling ducks, drakes and ducklings, and even a few geese sharing the pond. This lovely site is located only four blocks away from our Clinic! Thanks to this Public Health Week 2010 “walk challenge”, we’ve now discovered even more local beauty, and we’re proudly and contently “keeping green” with our new (GHC-sponsored) spring-green shopping/tote bags.
Executive Office - OIRMA team of 5 employees from OIRM's Budget and Fiscal Management Office walked every day during King County Walks Week. In true number-guru style, they kept a log of their steps, time walking and miles logged. In 5 days, the team walked a total of 185 minutes covering 7.6 miles and taking more than 15,000 steps. Way to go team! Federal Way Public Health CenterFederal Way Public Health sponsored lunchtime walks Monday-Thursday during Public Health Week. About 15 people from Federal Way participated in the walks (in all types of weather: sunshine, chilly temperatures, strong winds, and some drizzle!). Many staff participated in a healthy potluck during lunchtime on Friday. There was a variety of foods brought to the potluck including a wild rice and seaweed dish, several types of salads, soup, ceviche, homemade salsa, homemade hummus, and fresh fruit. The Federal Way Quality Council also piloted a “kudos” project this week, called Gold Star. The purpose of this project is to encourage staff to recognize one another for excellent work. The Gold Star project was piloted during Public Health Week to acknowledge how showing appreciation is good for one’s health. King Street CenterA group of DNRP employees hosted their own walk on April 8th from King Street Center through the International District.  Juvenile Court - Prosecuting Attorney's OfficeWe had a really nice walk from the Juvenile Court at lunch today (April 7th). We went north on 12th Avenue, east on Madison and then south through a beautiful residential area on 17th. Weight Watchers at Work group at the CourthouseMembers from the Courthouse's Weight Watchers at Work group will be walking together this week as a part of King County Walks Week. We usually walk together during lunch break at every day (except for the day that's our weekly meeting) to support each other's weight management goals. We did the walk, starting from the Courthouse at 12:05 (court clerks can't leave the court room until judge says OK) and managed to meet up with the group about halfway through. It was a first time for one of our walkers and she did very well. She was rather glad I've kept her on my email list even though she hadn't walked with us before. She was also inspired by the Healthy Incentives plan to do this. I must say, the choices we have for plans has made quite a difference for a lot of people, from the walking to the WW@Work rather than just doing the online stuff. Kudos to your team for the changes this year. District Court Clerks - RJCThe District Court Clerks down at the RJC will be walking at lunch time during this week. Columbia Public Health CenterColumbia Health Center staff will take to the streets during lunch time on Wednesday, April 7th. To celebrate Public Health Week, 27 clinic staff have committed to use their lunch break to get some fresh air, exercise and stress relief and walk with their colleagues rain or shine. A one mile course is available for the novice walker that includes a route through nearby scenic Genesee Park. Walkers can stop at the off leash area and watch the neighborhood pups at play. The more experienced walker will have the option of a two mile route to Lake Washington and pedestrian friendly Lake Washington Boulevard. Columbia management will provide healthy snacks later that afternoon to help walkers replenish calories burned during the walk. Some staff have expressed interest in starting a regular lunch time walking group and hope that this will motivate them to walk during lunch more frequently. DOT Traffic Engineering group 14 employees from the Traffic Engineering workgroup at King Street Center will walk up to the Chinook Building on Tuesday April 6th and join the walk hosted by the Prosecuting Attorney's Office. Traffic Engineering staff are looking forward to the stories of former crime scenes told by PAO staff. White Center Public Health Center Submitted by Ms. Deb, Walk Leader. Ms. Deb's team had over 30 members.
The message was clear and simple “Come Join Us!” I went around the clinic during my break times and recruited nurses, management, family planning and WIC/MSS staff. I encouraged everyone to join us if for even one day! I had a daily sign-in sheet to record the time walked for each participant. And I ended with the special tote bag each would receive! That was a nice incentive!
It has been a fun Public Health Week here at White Center! The walks have been invigorating and the weather has cooperated so far. Thanks to Jean Westerlund-Rice, Lois Schipper and Stephanie Scappini for taking the lead walker each day. We enjoyed discovering different routes! White Center had a total of 31 walkers signed up! Way to go White Center! I am compiling the great comments from staff regarding the daily walks and our delicious Healthy Potluck! All the soups, salads, veggies, dips, fruit, and desserts were the “Healthiest” Potluck we have had. Thank You! But most of all to the outstanding White Center staff who make this community a better place to live!
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