The initial goal of Concordia Lutheran Ministries' health and wellness committee was to serve three areas - employees, residents and the community.

The goal for our employees was to improve their health. This year's specific goals consist of decreasing the number of individuals by 5 percent who need improved fitness levels; who are above their ideal body weight and increase to six the number of programs targeted to enhance a person's well-being beyond the scope of fitness and nutrition.

Already in this first quarter, the committee has made progress. A bi-monthly newsletter has been created and given to all employees outlining what's happening on all four Concordia campuses, as well as health and wellness tips.

A one-day smoking cessation campaign and a three-month weight loss challenge involved 175 staff members in 35 teams, losing a total of 1,697 pounds, or 5.3 percent of their total weight.

In addition, the committee is addressing spiritual health issues and has sponsored a Bible study based on Rick Warren's best seller, "The Purpose-Driven Life" during the 40 days of Lent.

An Eat Well for Life class covered such issues as why diets don't work, a non-diet approach to weight management and the use of a food diary as an awareness tool.

The second annual personal health and wellness lifestyle screening, where employees received a free cholesterol and glucose screening, blood pressure reading and personal wellness profile, drew 130 employees.

More than 400 participants from all buildings on the Cabot campus, as well as Ridgewood, Rebecca, the Orchard and Home Care, have received their pedometers for the second annual 10,000 Step Challenge that started Sunday. This 12-week program is to help everyone become more physically active.

Each day, participants strive to take 10,000 steps, which is about five miles of walking.

This year's theme is based on a walk around the world.

Here are some tips to increase daily steps:

Park farther away from your destination and walk.

Don't take the elevator, take the stairs.

Hold a meeting while going for a walk.

Take a walk with family or friends instead of watching TV.

Walk for 10 minutes in the morning.

Walk for 10 minutes in the evening.

A second Bible study is based on a book that encourages people to get out of their comfort zone and trust in Jesus. The book is titled "If You Want to Walk on Water, You've Got to Get Out of the Boat," by John Ortberg.

Studies prove that a healthy work force leads to an increase in employee morale and productivity, as well as a decrease in sick time and lower health care costs.

To date, the results have been beneficial. This year was the first in several that health insurance premiums did not increase. An employee wellness screening survey was recently done by Highmark, and Concordia's employees improved in 15 of 18 categories.