Texas Children’s values your total well-being. As a result, the Wellness Department offers various onsite wellness services, programs and discounted community offerings. To better inform you about such opportunities, Texas Children’s is launching a Wellness Ambassador Program comprised of employee volunteers who will serve as an extension of the Wellness Department. The responsibilities of a wellness ambassador include:
- Completing one hour of service work a month for a year. Service work includes forwarding emails, making announcements in your staff meeting, and serving as a point of contact for questions related to onsite wellness offerings from your department.
- Promoting onsite wellness offerings to your coworkers.
- Receiving annual training and the opportunity to develop personal and professional skills.
- Having access to wellness perks and invitations to community wellness events.
- Being the first to know about upcoming events, programs and challenges through monthly newsletters.
Below you will hear from long-time wellness program supporter, Linda Younger from Medical Staff Services. She will tell you about her personal wellness journey, why she makes it her mission to share wellness information with her co-workers and why you should too.
If you have questions about the Wellness Ambassador, please contact Wellness Coordinator Jenna Sneed. If you are ready to enroll in the program, please click here to fill out the 2015 Wellness Ambassador Enrollment questionnaire. You also can nominate someone, by clicking here. Enrollment and nomination period closes Friday, June 5.
Thank you for helping your coworkers thrive and enjoy Linda Younger’s story!
Q: Why are you passionate about wellness?
A: I am a breast cancer survivor since June 30, 2006. That was the first thing that made me very aware of my mortality. I am also 66 years old now. The older I get the more funerals I attend. I am a very involved person both in and outside of work. I even play in a rock band “Mydolls!” I had a granddaughter on August 3, 2013. That definitely sealed the deal. I’m in it for the long haul now. It’s hard to stay in shape, but I am determined to do my best to keep living the kind of active life I desire.
Q: Tell us a bit more about your personal wellness journey.
A: I came from Louisiana where eating and drinking with family and friends is the culture. It wasn’t uncommon to plan dinner while eating lunch! Being “healthy” was something that wasn’t on my radar screen. Through the programs offered at Texas Children’s and community support, I realized that wellness is my personal journey-from the inside out. By engaging in an active lifestyle and eating food that fuels my body, I’m able to energetically show up for my family and friends.
Q: Why do you think it’s important to help others take care of themselves?
A: Everyone needs a little reminder once in a while. At Texas Children’s, we are fortunate to have so many opportunities either onsite or discounts to community offerings. I take advantage of them all and encourage co-workers to do the same. The Weight Watchers group is a wonderful support network, services through the onsite Employee Medical Clinic are incredibly convenient, and the healthy options and new monthly cooking class at The Fresh Bistro are extraordinary!
Q: How do you motivate coworkers to practice healthy behaviors without being the food police?
A: I invite them to walk with me around the hospital during a break or after work, participate in the different fundraising events like the Komen Race for the Cure and March of Dimes, and occasionally bring healthy snacks to share with them.
Q: Will you sign up to be a Wellness Ambassador?
A: Yes! I hope others do as well. I can see the small change in my little group. Imagine what it would feel like if more people banded together to help support each other.