Nicole Hare, Wellness manager Photo by Dave Schafer

Nicole Hare is the city’s first wellness manager
and is working to raise health and wellness awareness among employees. She holds a bachelor’s degree in health science and a master’s degree in community health and wellness promotion. She is a certified personal trainer, smoking cessation counselor, health education specialist, and a health science doctoral candidate. Look for her column in future issues of Benefits Pulse.

Family wellness fun
Choosing to start a family exercise routine is a decision that can affect the health of your entire family. However, it is a lifestyle change that requires a family effort to achieve success. Below are fitness tips to assist your family on their journey to optimal wellness.

• Make it fun: Find activities that provide a sense of enjoyment.
  
• Allow for variety and flexibility: Choose indoor and outdoor activities. For affordable recreational ideas, visit the city’s Parks and Recreation Web site at www.houstontx.gov/parks.
  
• Make time for exercise: Schedule family activities in advance.
  
• Reward: Incorporate healthy rewards as incentives for your family maintaining their commitment to exercise, such as treating them to miniature golf, bowling, or a family bicycling adventure.
  

To learn more about incorporating family wellness activities into your lifestyle, join Mayor White and the Employee Wellness Advisory Council at the 1st Annual Employee Wellness Day on Saturday, Nov. 3. See ya there.