The Tribune

By ALESHA CADET

Tribune Features

Reporter

acadet@tribunemedia.net

COMMITTED to supporting healthy lifestyle choices for a more productive and energetic workforce, the team at Commonwealth Bank last Saturday held its Health & Wellness Expo, showing over 25 vendors.

Under the theme “Commit 2B Fit Body, Mind and Spirit,” they aimed to provide opportunities for employees and their families to obtain information on how to live a healthier lifestyle and to get them motivated to take the necessary steps to embark on their wellness journey. Anthea Cox, vice president of Human Resources and Training at Commonwealth Bank, said they wanted to do this in a fun, safe and enjoyable environment.

Exhibitors from a cross section of areas that deal with the health and wellness, including medical practitioners, fitness instructors, chefs, massage therapists, chiropractors, nutritionists and a running club made an appearance.

Additionally, there was a gardening expert to highlight the importance of growing fruits and vegetables.

Ms Cox said employees also benefited from biometric screenings that encouraged them to “know their numbers”. Information was also provided by the Cancer Society of the Bahamas and the Bahamas Crisis Centre.

“The health and well-being of its employees has always been important to Commonwealth Bank. This year we wanted to ensure it was of greater focus, which led to the establishment of a wellness committee consisting of employees from various areas throughout the bank who also serve as wellness champions. This committee recommended several wellness initiatives. The expo was selected as the launch for the wellness events,” Ms Cox told Tribune Health.

She said staff who attended this event were positively impacted as they were able to get first-hand information from the many exhibitors that were on hand. They also had the opportunity to undergo screenings that identified any issues they were previously unaware of. Armed with this wealth of information, Ms Cox said their employees and families will hopefully be motivated to make the necessary changes to support a healthier lifestyle.

“We were excited about the fitness demonstrations and getting our team members and their families involved in the exercise routines. Given the rise in the many health issues facing our nation, and by extension the workforce, it is important that more focus be placed on health and wellness. We believe that healthy employees are more happy and productive team members,” said Ms Cox.

“As individuals charged with the responsibility of being a parent, the breadwinner, the nurturer, supporter etc, we also need to be the ones to take care of ourselves first to ensure we are able to do and be the best for those that depend upon us the most. Unfortunately, this thought process is lost in the shuffle of life as personal and professional work demands take centre stage along with stresses and the emotional angst of trying to fulfil our goals. In our health and wellness programme, ‘CB Commit 2B Fit’, we hope to introduce simple solutions to get our team members moving, energised and healthy.”

PHOTOS/SHAWN HANNA