The County of Marin values our workforce and believes taking health and wellness initiatives in our organization have a positive impact on everybody.  

Our Mission: To provide opportunities that engage, educate and empower our workforce in leading healthy and active lifestyles that support overall well-being.  

Recommendations for Successful Team Formation

Team formation is intended to be fun, inclusive, and a positive experience for everyone, regardless of whether they are just starting out or an experienced exerciser.

• Be sure to reach out to all colleagues to make sure they've had an opportunity to join a team
• If a team becomes too large, split into two teams (teams consist anywhere from 4-10 people)

Who can Participate?

All County of Marin employees, regardless of whether you're just starting out or an experienced exerciser.   Thrive Across America gives you simple, motivating tools to track your progress and see results. With dozens of activities to choose from, you can increase activity and improve health no matter what your interests or ability. Consistency is the key to success in any health improvement, so Thrive Across America provides practical tips, articles on starting and sticking to a physical activity program, delicious healthy recipes, and other tools to strengthen your daily commitment.

Save the Date - Tuesday, August 14th, 

Thrive Across America Celebration Event 2012

Details on the event TBA. Presentation of prizes, raffles and more!  

Prizes

1st Place Team Members:  $75.00 gift cards

2nd Place Team Members: $50.00 gift cards 

3rd place Team Members: $25.00 gift cards 

1 lucky (randomly drawn) Team Members: $25.00 gift cards

10 lucky (randomly drawn) persons who sign-up the first day:  $25.00 gift cards

Jeff has lost 95 pounds in 6 months! He joined a pilot program hosted by Kaiser called Medical Weight Management www.kphealthyweight.com/ 

Wellness Program: What inspired you to take on the weight loss challenge?

Jeff:  Mounting problems with my legs and feet caused by being overweight.  There was also the threat of diabetes and heart problems if I didn't get my act together.  I've got a family to take care of and the weight was getting in my way. 

Wellness Program:  What is your key to success?

Jeff:  The Kaiser program really worked for me. The rapid weight loss actually got me excited about making the lifestyle changes they recommended.  After the first few weeks success tends to breed success.

Wellness Program:  What types of activities do you participate in that support your health?

Jeff:  Swimming, walking, and kayaking

Wellness Program: What does wellness mean to you?

Jeff:  Freedom. There are so many activities and opportunities that are now open to me that weren't when I was too heavy.  I am going places and doing things I never thought I would do again and it feels great! Clothes shopping in the normal people section is kinda neat too.

Wellness Program:  Can you offer some advice to others hoping to accomplish a weight loss goal?

Jeff:  Measure, measure, measure.  Weigh your food.  Count your calories.  Track your exercise.  Most importantly, write it all down.  This is the only way to learn what you can really eat and consistently achieve your goals. 

Wellness Program:  Any favorite quote or mantra?  

Jeff:  Craving a particular food is just emotional eating.  You have associated a good feeling with that food in the past and your brain thinks the food will get that feeling back.  If you are really hungry your body doesn't care what it is or how good it tastes.  

Wellness Program:  What do you like to do in your spare time? 

Jeff:  Explore Marin.  There is so much to do in this County, most of it is free, and all of it is beautiful.  Revisit all the places; Mt. Tam, the shorelines, National, State, County and local parks. Too many trails, beaches and landmarks to count.  

Wellness Program:  Any other interesting thing you would like to share?
Jeff:  Everything you see as a big challenge looks so easy once it is overcome. 

Way to go Jeff! 

Chair Massage is coming to 120 N. Redwood. 

Where: 120 N. Redwood, 2nd floor in the Redwood Room

When: Thursday, May 17th 

Time: Noon - 3:00 pm

Register: You must sign-up and pay in advance. To book your time and pay online follow these instructions:

1. Go to http://www.rechargeonsite.com
2. Sign into the home page (upper right corner)
   • Username: happyclient
   • Password: chargedup
3. Select the 15-minute chair massage
4. Select County of Marin
5. Click on the date and location (120 N. Redwood)
6. Fill out the brief form
7. You will automatically be directed to Paypal's secure site to pay
8. Show up on the day and time to enjoy your massage!

• Make sure to tell your therapist about tight spots, if you are pregnant, or have any current or past injuries
• Always let your therapist know if something is uncomfortable
• The massage will be performed with you sitting on an ergonomically designed massage chair and you remain fully clothed
• Make sure to stay hydrated with water after your massage. Massage releases toxins from the muscles back into the body and you want to make sure to flush them out