Employees ‘VEG’ out for National Employee Health and Fitness Day!

With the conclusion of our Bottom Line Challenge and National Employee Health and Fitness Day, eating right and exercising has definitely been on many of our employees minds this week. What better way to celebrate reaching our goals or maintaining healthy habits than to have a 30 minute walk around the beautiful grounds at the Frankfort corporate office! The weather cooperated with us and a surprise guest came to chat it up with the employees that walked. Donned in a costume that was the most muscular ear of corn you could imagine, I started the walk with the employees chuckling as the followed me.



As Captain Cornelius bellowed to all the participants to make sure to eat their veggies, a few employees tried to butter him up with pats on the back and cheers. The group of about 25 employees circled the grounds for a ½ hour enjoying the cooler weather, easy conversation and wondering when I would overheat the corn costume and turn into popcorn!

Thanks to all who participated in the walk! We had several other walkers participate on their own time and our percentage from the Frankfort office jumped up from the number that came out last year. I am so proud of all the changes and efforts many have made in their diet and exercise regimen over the past few months. Congrats on making those healthy changes! Thanks also to Provena Health for providing us this opportunity for a little excitement and adventure during our work day. I sincerely appreciate the time given to keep me on my fitness journey.

Special thanks to Mark Schneidewind from the Will County Farm Bureau and the Corn Growers of America for the loan of the costume. I don’t know who had more fun with it, the employees when they first saw it or me and a few helpers trying to get me stuffed into the suit! It was a ‘corny’ addition to our always fun walk!

By Karen Condon, Provena Life Connections

Read more about Karen's journey as a participant in the American Heart Association / Provena Mercy Medical Center / Provena Saint Joseph Hospital Better U Challenge!