ite at no charge to the employees'. As more employees showed an interest in these programs the Medical Manager decided to expand the companies health and lifestyle improvement program. The first order of business was to find out where the need was. Free health screening was offered to all on-site and was performed by a professional outside company. 752 employees participated in the screening which included a lifestyle questionnaire, blood pressure check, cholesterol check and flexibility test. The survey revealed some enlightening facts; it was discovered that 24.5% of the employees were suffering from hypertension on the job and 34% of the survey group was 20% over-weight. For the employees with hypertension, regular blood pressure monitoring on-site is done. Also, in an effort to calm the work force, a 240 gallon aquarium has been set up in the main cafeteria area. Physical activity does help relive stress, a 8/10 mile Nature Trail was installed in 1993. The trail circles the facility and is tastefully landscaped with fruit, hardwood and evergreen trees. Due to the popularity of the trail, a 4/10 of a mile spur was recently added. This section was developed into the woods on the perimeter of the property and gives employees that "back to nature feeling.In 1994, the management team, which consists of 51 individuals, took part in a stress management class and were surveyed using the Stress Audit provided by Biobehavioral Associates. The survey was similar to the Holmes & Rahe scale but was more detailed and included questioning on current health. This audit is one more tool to assist managers into a healthier, more relaxed state of mind thus reducing stress levels . Summary: In today's fast paced society trying to cope with occupational and social stress is challenge for everyone. Some people view occupational stress a necessary life style to stay competitive in an aggressive business or manufacturing setting. If an i...
