40 school staff undergo health MOT

The workplace health programme has allowed over 40 staff to have their cholesterol, blood pressure, weight, body mass index (BMI), bodyfat and lung function assessed coupled with weekly weigh-in sessions and support and advice provided on physical activity and nutrition.

Fidelma Hegarty, Human Resources and Finance Manager at St Columb’s College said: “It’s easy to become complacent about health and well-being but at St Columb’s College we are keeping it in focus through our School Development Plan and specific HR initiatives and we aim to further develop our support programmes for staff over the next three years.

“Our partnership with Foyle Health at Work/Derry Healthy Cities has worked exceptionally well and staff interest and participation in our Health and Wellbeing Plan has resulted in a hugely successful ‘virtual walk’ initiative in May 2011 coupled with complimentary health and well-being initiatives offered throughout the school year.

“This year, with help from DCC’s Active Community Coaches, staff have initially taken part in a popular 6-week Physical Activity & Healthy Eating Programme) and we aim to further enhance this by training Walk Leaders, providing ‘taster’ activity programmes, arranging a second Virtual Walk, and organising additional awareness sessions on managing stress and looking after mental health.”

Derry City Council officer Thomas McCallion commented: “The workplace health programme has been developed in recent years between Derry City Council and Derry Healthy Cities.

“It has seen more and more local employers signing up to a commitment to reviewing their health practices and to enable their staff to get an on-sight assessment for things such as, Blood Pressure, BMI, Cholesterol and Blood Sugars.

“The project has been really well received and I hope that it can be introduced to more local organisations.”