From Kitchen to Kickboxing – How One Arthrex Employee Embraced a Healthier Lifestyle Thanks to Wellness Incentives
Arthrex is committed to Making People Better, beginning with our own employees’ health and well-being. Executive Sous Chef Francis Roy is a great example of how our comprehensive wellness program supports employees in reaching their personal health goals. In his own words, Francis explains how an annual physical at our on-site clinic changed his life.
“I wasn’t always committed to a healthy lifestyle, but after having my wellness physical in August of 2015, I learned that I had lab results that weren’t ideal and numbers that needed attention. I decided to do something to get in better shape.
I was already doing a lot of kickboxing, running and kayaking, but I wanted to lose more weight and body fat. I met with the staff at the medical center and got some guidelines on how to eat a little better and change my lifestyle. Small changes to my routine resulted in huge rewards.
In two years, my lab results have completely changed. My cholesterol values are beyond exceptional, my blood sugar returned to normal, my blood pressure is ideal, I lost 45 pounds and my body fat dropped dramatically.
I work fulltime, but I understand the value of my health and living life to the fullest. There are days when I’m tired and I don’t want to exercise, but this is a lifestyle that is worth saying yes to.
I exercise an average of 15 hours a week by doing kickboxing, Muay Thai and mixed martial arts (MMA). I wake up every morning at 6 a.m. to work out and spend most nights from 5:30 p.m. to 6:30 or 8 p.m. exercising. I also find time on the weekends to run and kayak.
Over the past two years, I have learned that wellness is a lifestyle and a journey. It’s a daily habit that requires hard work and dedication before you reap the rewards. It may start with your wellness physical and the doctor telling you that your numbers need to change, or with a friend saying, ‘Let’s go for a walk.’ Whatever gets you started, embrace a healthy lifestyle. It’s worth it.”
The American Heart Association named Arthrex a Gold-level company in its Workplace Health Achievement Index this year for the healthy lunch options, walking challenges, healthy lifestyle webinars and on-site preventative screenings and lab draws offered to employees. We’re proud of this achievement in addition to our “Life is Why” sponsorship of the American Heart Association year-round.
