MHP participates in “Art for Steps”
MAHASKA COUNTY – To encourage employees to take the stairs, Mahaska Health Partnership is participating in an “Art for Steps” project, sponsored by Blue Zones Project Oskaloosa and the MHP Wellness Team.
According to MHP Wellness Co-facilitator Stephanie Faulkes, Oskaloosa Elementary students created beautiful artwork designed to be placed in stairwells. “Our goal is to encourage employees to take the stairs and see the beautiful art creations.”
Faulkes said research shows there are many health benefits to taking the stairs, which burns more calories per minute than jogging. “As a Blue Zones Worksite, MHP continues our efforts to make the healthy choice the easy choice.
“We remain committed to creating a healthier work environment by supporting the well-being of our employees, and we see this project as a way to incentivize taking the stairs for our employees’ benefit.”
According to Hanna de Geest, Organization Lead for the Blue Zones Project Oskaloosa, the benefits of taking the stairs are remarkable. “Not only will employees burn calories and increase their cardiovascular health, but they will also improve safety by becoming more familiar with alternate exit routes through the building,” de Geest explained.
“According to a 2013 Journal of Medicine study, of 14 New York City office buildings, people in buildings with stair prompts were over three times more likely to take the stairs than buildings without. Mahaska Health Partnership’s innovative program using these prompts is a testament to how they stay true to their commitment of well-being.”
For businesses interested in having stair prompts, de Geest said the Blue Zones Project Oskaloosa worksite committee would be happy to assist in getting them started. This committee seeks to improve the environment of worksites to foster greater well-being which therefore increases the bottom line of the business. For more information please contact hannah.degeest@healthways.com.
Mahaska Health Partnership, located in Oskaloosa, is a non-profit health system accredited by the Joint Commission. It is guided by its mission to provide exceptional customer service and health improvement, linking the science of medicine with the humanity of compassionate care. For more information about how Mahaska Health Partnership is making healthcare personal, call 641.672.3240 or visit www.mahaskahealth.org.