Saturday Briefing

By Una Murray

The staff and managers of the Outrigger on the Lagoon - Fiji getting ready for their power walk after work!

The Outrigger on the Lagoon - Fiji (FOR) recently kicked off their 2009 Health Awareness program with a post-work power walk attended by executives, managers, and employees alike. The property welcomed representatives from the Ministry of Health, the Fiji School of Medicine, and Red Cross Volunteers, who spent two days screening and assessing the health of our Outrigger employees. More than 110 staff members took advantage of the opportunity to have their weight, blood pressure, sugar level, and vision checked.

According to Salma Hanif from the Ministry of Health, “We reached a bunch of people who would otherwise not access these services at the hospital, and nearly half were referred for additional services.” Eunice Fesaitu, also from the Ministry said, “It was good to raise awareness about the importance of the prevention of non-communicable diseases.” A Red Cross volunteer stated, “We are grateful to all those who participated. We had fun answering questions and talking with the cheerful employees. Vinaka Outrigger!”

Three Officers from the Ministry of Health came back and delivered the results of the check up to the employees. General Manager Darren Shaw thanked everyone for their time and commitment to this important Health Awareness program. He explained to all staff that it is very important to increase their quality of life by eating healthy and getting lots of exercise.

A few of the FOR Managers delivered presentations to staff on how to stay healthy and active. Charlotte Steele gave advice on simple day-to-day exercises that anyone can do; Ashika Devi introduced some upcoming training programs that will be conducted to educate employees on how to live healthier lives; Rajnesh Kumar shared how healthy living can save money; Shailesh Naidu explained employee meal options and considerations for a healthy diet on the job; Jacob Pau‘u introduced upcoming fitness activities for employees; and Viniana Vuibau discussed the upcoming Staying Alive Exercise and Diet Competition.

We are proud of all our FOR employees who have made an effort to be healthy. Keep up the hard work!