Dodge County Employees Earn Blue Zones Designation

(Juneau) The ribbon was cut this Thursday on the newest Blue Zones Project-approved worksite. The Dodge County Administration building in Juneau earned the designation by establishing an Employee Health and Wellness Committee, which includes staff from various departments who met regularly and chose to implement evidence-based best practices. Dodge County Administrator Jim Mielke says the committee is the foundation that started this project and many of the volunteers gave their time, energy and ideas to help all Dodge County employees. The group formed to focus on health in the worksite and the physical environment. For example, Dodge County is adding more healthy items to their vending selection. To decrease the risk of injury, ergonomic checklists are used for both office and non-office employees. Bike racks and indoor bike storage areas are available at many of the Dodge County government buildings. County employees also have access to pickleball, basketball and volleyball courts as well as several fitness centers. The Blue Zones Project, sponsored by the Beaver Dam Community Hospital, is a community-led well-being improvement initiative designed to make healthy choices easier through permanent changes to environment, policy, and social networks.