LCC Employee Wellness Program

GOAL

The goal of the Laredo Community College Wellness Program (P.O.W.E.R. - Promoting Optimal Wellness for Employee Rewards) is to promote employee well-being through services and programs that relate to the six dimensions of wellness: social, occupational, emotional, intellectual, environmental, and physical.

"Wellness" is concept of optimal health. It is more than not being sick; it is a way of life aimed at reducing the risk of serious lifestyle-related diseases. Living a wellness lifestyle means taking responsibility for how one lives and the choices one makes about one's lives and the choices one makes about one's total well-being. Recent studies have indicated that 90% of all illnesses may be preventable if decisions made by the individual are based on current medical knowledge regarding exercise, diet, alcohol, smoking, and seat belts. The L.C.C. P.O.W.E.R. Program can provide information and activities to help participants accept the personal challenge of a lifetime commitment to wellness.

Services

Wellness Assessments

Measurements of blood pressure, heart rate, glucose, endurance, percent body fat, flexibility or strength will be provided for all participants.

Cholesterol Screening

Cholesterol screening will be offered yearly to participants through the Annual Health Fair.

Monthly Wellness Calendar

A wellness calendar will be published once a month in the Campus Update to provide employees with information on up-coming wellness events.

Programs

Supervised Group Fitness Activities (P.O.W.E.R. - FIT)

Fitness activities with instruction for staff only will be offered in:

Fitness Training Through Weights

Aerobic Activities

Power Walking

Individual Fitness / Wellness Activities
The following individual activities will be offered:

	Kinesiology Department Activity Classes
	Dance Fitness Classes
	Wellness Classes Through Community Education.
	Exercise Prescription / Diet Analysis
	P.O.W.E.R. - LIFE
	P.O.W.E.R. - WALK
	P.O.W.E.R. - CREDITS
	P.O.W.E.R. - CONTRACT

Facilities

The fitness facilities available to wellness participants are located within the Laredo Community College Campus. Indoor facilities include a gymnasium, racquetball / handball courts, sauna, training rooms, weight room and a cardio lab. The weight room features a variety of machines and free weights. Outdoor facilities include tennis courts and a lap pool.

Wellness Education

Wellness lectures / workshops on a variety of topics will be offered to employees on a monthly basis. Possible lectures may include health-related information on:

	Weight Control
	Nutrition
	Stress Management
	CPR
	Cardiovascular Disease
	Exploring Exercise
	Environmentally-friendly Alternatives
	Early Cancer Detection
	Smoking Cessation
	Relaxation Techniques
	Alternative Health Care
	Etc.