Given the choice of climbing three flights of stairs or taking an elevator, most people would probably opt for the elevator. But that’s not necessarily the case at Griffin Hospital, Derby, CT, where a renovated stairwell—complete with carpeting, upbeat music, artwork, and aroma therapy—has generated more interest in trekking up the stairs.
The stairwell was renovated in conjunction with the rollout of the hospital’s Wellness Initiative for Improved Tomorrows (WINFIT), says Dana Brozinsky, WINFIT coordinator. “I know, personally, I go out of my way to use that staircase because it’s just so pleasant.” It appears that other employees are following suit. In the year after its construction, Griffin Hospital recorded a 112 percent increase in its use.
As part of the WINFIT program, most new-hires complete a voluntary health-risk assessment (HRA) form, have their blood pressure taken, and have blood work done to test their glucose and cholesterol levels, she says. The results are confidential; however, employees have the option of reviewing the results with a nurse.
When the wellness program was first implemented, many existing employees took advantage of the opportunity to complete an HRA. Since then, more existing employees and most new-hires have as well. Even some of those who don’t want the follow-up have adopted healthier habits, she says, making the HRA a valuable tool to raise employees’ awareness levels about their health.
In addition, employees and their families can work out at an onsite fitness center, where they have the option of using a personal trainer. Brozinsky estimates that about 10 percent of the hospital’s workforce logged in 5,000 visits to the facility in 1 year.