Wellness Fairs Help Employees Recharge
From healthy snacks and fitness challenges to reflexology and wellness resources, staff members explored new ways to support their physical and mental well-being.
A hint of cinnamon in your coffee. A handful of homemade trail mix. A quick reflexology treatment. Even a chance to see how your grip strength measures up.
These were just a few of the wellness-inspired experiences that drew employees to the LiveWell Employee Wellness fairs at Cape Cod Hospital and Falmouth Hospital on June 4 and 10, where staff members stepped away from their daily routines to focus on their own health and well-being.
Organized through the LiveWell Employee Wellness Program, the events brought together a variety of vendors, resources and interactive activities designed to support physical, mental and financial health.
“We had a great turnout at both locations, and it was exciting to see employees so engaged throughout the day,” said Darijan Suton, wellness program manager at Cape Cod Healthcare. “These fairs were a great opportunity to explore your wellness benefits, connect with health experts, enjoy hands-on experiences and sample healthy treats.”
Staff members explored wellness offerings from Harvard Pilgrim Health Care, BeWell by CCA, Marathon Sports and other community partners. Activities ranged from fitness demonstrations and balance assessments to nutrition education, stress-relief techniques and employee assistance resources.
One of the most popular stops was a trail mix station led by registered dietitian Heidi Roth, who guided employees through a variety of nutritious snack options. Participants sampled nuts, seeds, dried fruit and dark chocolate while creating their own trail mix and learning about the benefits of each ingredient. Roth explained that nuts provide essential vitamins and minerals and have been linked to better long-term health outcomes. She also highlighted the benefits of freeze-dried fruit.
“Freeze-dried strawberries actually are fairly high in vitamin C,” says Roth. “The freeze-drying process makes them crispy, intensifies the flavor and locks in some of the vitamins.”
Employees also tested their strength and mobility at an interactive fitness station, participated in a hand-grip strength challenge and received a foot scan from Marathon Sports. Representatives from BeWell by CCA highlighted resources available through the Employee Assistance Program, including counseling, financial coaching and caregiving support.
Other popular stops included reflexology demonstrations, where employees learned how the practice helps support areas of the body that can be difficult to address through other forms of bodywork, including the digestive and endocrine systems.
At the gourmet coffee station, staff sampled delicious coffee featuring cinnamon and cane sugar while learning about self-care ideas, including coffee-based body scrubs. As guests stopped by, Shima Younes blended a coffee-based body scrub and explained how coffee grounds can be used as a natural exfoliant to remove dead skin cells, stimulate circulation and leave skin feeling soft and refreshed. Complimentary hand treatments and wellness-themed giveaways rounded out the day's offerings.
The wellness fairs will return in 2027 with more opportunities for employees to explore resources and activities that support their well-being.
Check out the photo slideshow below for highlights from the wellness fairs at Cape Cod Hospital and Falmouth Hospital.
Jennifer Deitsch and Lisa Gormley from Harvard Pilgrim Health Care welcomed employees with wellness resources, health information and an assortment of fun giveaways.
Ready to recharge! Wellness Program Manager Darijan Suton shows off one of the many giveaways.
One step at a time: Marathon Sports provided complimentary 3D foot scans to help employees better understand their arch height and gait, and help match them with the best footwear. Above, Maggie Weinstock, critical care educator/supervisor in the CVICU at Cape Cod Hospital, reviews her foot scan results with Andrew Scott of Marathon Sports.
How strong is your grip? David Jordan from Harvard Pilgrim tested marketing communications intern Quinn Mayo’s grip strength, a simple measure of overall strength and wellness.
Meredith Gardella highlighted strength and conditioning tips.
Registered dietitian Heidi McIndoo shared ideas for building nutritious trail mix with ingredients like nuts, seeds, whole-grain cereals and dried fruit.
A moment to unwind. Samantha Barends and Debra Tringali offered complimentary reflexology sessions, giving participants a chance to relax while learning about a holistic approach to wellness.
Chapstick, first-aid kits, stress balls, exercise bands and more provided by Lisa Gormley and Jennifer Deitsch at Harvard Pilgrim.
Heidi Roth, a registered dietitian, helped participants create a healthy trail mix while explaining the nutritional benefits of nuts, seeds and freeze-dried fruit.
The snacks vs. treats display detailed simple nutrition strategies.
Hugs all around for health and wellness!
Coconut oil and coffee grounds make for an excellent exfoliator that leaves skin feeling soft and refreshed.
Janet Driscoll shared services available through BeWell by CCA, from emotional well-being and family support to financial coaching.
Meg Avery and Agnes Duffany from Helping Hands highlighted care management resources available through Cape Cod Healthcare’s Accountable Care Organization.
