BDCH Named Blue Zone-Friendly Worksite

5/25/17 – The Dodge County Blue Zones Project has announced its first Blue Zone-approved worksite. The Beaver Dam Community Hospital was given the designation for demonstrating a commitment to supporting longer, better lives among employees as well as those they serve. As the primary sponsor of the local Blue Zones Project, the hospital is leading the community-wide, well-being initiative which is designed to make healthy choices easier through sustainable changes to environment, policy, and social networks. Beaver Dam Hospital has implemented a variety of evidence-based best practices that enhance employee well-being, such as forming an employee-led wellness committee. The non-profit health system also offers on-site fitness classes, has designated a quiet space for workers and has distributed fitness trackers to all employees while encouraging them to take two, 15-minute walking breaks each day. Meanwhile, the hospitals cafeteria has undergone a full-scale food service transformation by partnering with Sustainable Kitchens, whose focus is to provide locally-sourced food and cooking “from scratch.” Hospital CEO Kim Miller says they are proud to lead the way toward improving the well-being of the county and says this is just the beginning of their efforts as they look forward to partnering with other worksites throughout the county. A ribbon-cutting celebration will be held at the hospital on Wednesday, June 7 at 4:30pm. Throughout the week, hospital employees will establish a walking group or moais, small groups of individuals who walk together to improve their well-being and build social bonds. The hospital will also host workshops and Tai Chi classes for employees. Currently, 42 communities in nine states have joined the Blue Zones Project.