Cerro Gordo County announces employee wellness challenge winners

MASON CITY – The Cerro Gordo County Department of Public Health’s county-wide weight management and healthy habits challenge for local businesses wrapped up on January 5th. This marked the first year the Department offered the Employee Wellness Challenge to local businesses in addition to their own employees. Nine teams representing area businesses competed over the course of twelve weeks, earning points for completing a variety of wellness behaviors ranging from physical activity to snacking habits.

A team of individuals from Edwards-Brandt and Associates, Inc. earned top place, receiving Garmin Vivofit fitness watches. The watches help individuals track activity levels throughout the day, sleep behaviors, and calories burned. Two additional teams rounding out the top three were both represented by Hy-Vee West in Mason City.

“We were pleased with the business participation in the Weight Management and Healthy Behaviors Challenge this year, and we hope the participants were able to adopt some healthy behaviors over the course of the 3 months,” said Kelli Huinker, Wellness Program Coordinator, Cerro Gordo Count Department of Public Health. “This challenge is a big commitment due to its length and timing aligned with the Holiday season. We truly appreciate the commitment shown by participants and look forward to growing the program next year.”