The crazy year of 2020 helped many people realize the importance of health for themselves and others. Recently, the faculty and staff of Northwestern College had the opportunity to learn how to maintain their well-being. NW’s annual Employee Health and Wellness Fair took place in the Bultman Center last Thursday morning on Nov. 11.
All faculty and staff at NW were encouraged to attend. Alongside NW’s employees, nursing students were also available to give a helping hand.
Director of human resources, Deb Sandbulte, said, “It’s part of (the nursing students’) service and a different aspect of learning.”
The nursing students were available to help administer flu shots and measure blood pressure to the faculty and staff. These will be helpful practices for nursing students for when they continue their journey in the medical field.
The most anticipated event was a Medicare specialist doing a presentation on “Medicare 101”. This unfortunately, did not take place due to the presenter feeling under the weather and being unable to make it to campus. However, if available, the presentation would have included a talk about retirement for the employees.
Sandbulte said, “Retirement is confusing, and this presentation would have helped to guide that.”
Even though the Employee Health and Wellness Fair lacked the “Medicare 101” presentation, the faculty and staff had alternative opportunities to explore their health. At the fair, there was still a variety of health and wellness vendors.
Sandbulte said, “There were flu shots available, glucose testing for diabetes and the nursing students took blood pressures.”
The fair also included information about body mass index, commonly referred to as BMI, hearing testing and nutrition counseling. Other subjects included women’s health, an Employee Assistance Program, which noted employee benefits and Senior Companion Program. A massage chair was also available and well-enjoyed.
The Senior Companion Program was available to create connections with both the employees and the nursing students who attended the fair.
Throughout the Health and Wellness Fair, employees had the chance to earn some fun prizes. The annual employee benefits meeting also took place during this time.
Sandbulte said, “The Senior Companion Program has a great socialization aspect for senior citizens. This program could benefit the nursing students as well. It’s a great organization for future occupations.”
The Health and Wellness Fair was a fairly popular event. Around 75-120 people attended the fair. Sandbulte noted that the numbers can vary year by year.
