The George Washington University Colonial Community—now in its 10th year—hosts “Affairs of the Heart: An Employee Wellness Experience” at the Marvin Center on Thursday in honor of American Heart Month.
Nearly 600,000 people die from heart disease in the United States each year, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. With this event, GW Colonial Community joins a national effort to raise awareness of heart disease and other important health concerns.
George Washington Today spoke with Erica Hayton, GW Human Resources director of benefits and wellness, about the importance of employee wellness in building a healthy campus community.
Q: What is the “Affairs of the Heart” event?
A: Colonial Community is the center for GW employee wellbeing. Our mission is to promote faculty and staff wellness by providing programs, policies and resources that create a strong and healthy workforce. We hope that “Affairs of the Heart” will encourage GW faculty and staff to take charge of their holistic health and safety. With support from our partners—the Office of Health and Safety, the Office of Sustainability, Lerner Health and Wellness Center, GW Police Department Victims Services, EMeRG, UnitedHealthCare and financial services firm TIAA-Cref— Colonial Community will offer fitness challenges, blood and cholesterol screenings, financial savings activities, chair massages, prizes, and more. This truly unique event highlights strategies to help our employees live healthy, safe and thriving lives.
Q: Why did Colonial Community want to address heart disease?
A: Heart disease is one of the leading causes of death in the United States and a major health concern for the GW population. This event promotes healthy behaviors. It is also an opportunity to build on the January launch of HealthyGW by raising awareness of the many wellness programs and resources available to faculty and staff at GW.
Q: What other ways can employees get involved in wellness activities at GW?
A: There are many ways employees can get involved from safety trainings provided by GW's Office of Health and Safety to free fitness classes through the Milken Institute School of Public Health and financial wellness workshops. Other opportunities include the GW Run/Walk Meet-Up Group, smoking cessation programs, walking challenges, flu vaccinations and faculty and staff summer softball