Indiana—Consistent, regular exercise is very important, but is often neglected in our fast-paced, modern-convenience-oriented society. The urgency of the gospel motivates many pastors, teachers, and other denominational employees to invest much time and energy in their work at the neglect of getting adequate exercise.
To help bring better health and balance, the Indiana Conference initiated a simple exercise incentive program to encourage its employees and their spouses to keep exercise a high priority. It is anticipated that the exercise initiative will also help reduce conference healthcare costs.
To qualify for the incentive, employees and/or spouses submit a monthly report documenting a minimum of 16 days with 30 minutes of continual exercise activity each day. Activities may include walking, jogging, swimming, biking, weight-bearing exercise, etc.
Qualified participants can earn incentives of up to $100, awarded in January of the following year. While the incentive only amounts to 52¢ per excercise session or less, it serves as a way to give employees “permission” to take the time to exercise.
Archie Moore, Indiana Conference executive secretary and education superintendent, expressed great appreciation for the incentive program. “It helps me stay motivated even on those days I don’t feel like exercising. It also is very important in helping me to regulate my blood sugar.”
Julie Loucks, treasury department secretary, stated, “I always felt better [after exercising]. If the weather wasn’t very good, I would try to exercise with some equipment I have at home.”
Diane Kobor, Evansville Adventist School principal, wrote, “I know that I missed the bonus, but I would have exercised even less if I hadn't turned in those sheets faithfully every month! I am so thankful for this program; my resting pulse has decreased, and I have been able to handle more stressful situations without getting depressed and discouraged. We appreciate this program!”
Ronnie Hackleman, secretary for the health ministries department said, “I always like to visualize results and have enjoyed keeping track of my daily exercise. When the sun was shining or the weather conducive, I walked outdoors. When it was not, I walked in my home to an exercise video tape. It has been gratifying to notice how well I sleep the majority of the time.”
Mary Ann Smith, Indiana Academy dietitian, found the incentive program helped her exercise more regularly. “Before I was a little more sporadic.”
Even those who didn’t keep track have expressed that it helped them think about exercising more.
I strongly believe that we are to be our own health care provider to keep ourselves as healthy as possible; and let physicians, nurses, and hospitals be our “sick care providers” for times when there are accidents, injuries, or when sickness does set in.
Clinton Meharry, Indiana Conference health ministries director
