By Cynthia Grau
PONTIAC – Health and wellness updates are being implemented at OSF Saint James-John W. Albrecht Medical Center in Pontiac.
Guest speaker Tim Johnson, director of facilities and ancillary services, discussed some of the changes and improvements happening in his department to promote health and wellness to staff and the community.
“We’ve done a few little things at the hospital already, where we’ve put in hydration stations to promote drinking lots of water and avoid the sugary drinks,” Johnson said. “We’ve changed up our cafeteria menu a little bit and just finished some renovations in the cafeteria, where we’ve increased the size of our salad bar and more offerings on the salad bar, moving away from some of the unhealthy choices.
Johnson said the hospital’s community garden is helping many local residents.
“We’re just encouraging people to volunteer time in the garden, producing good food that we’re going to donate to the food pantries, but also getting exercise while you’re out in the garden,” Johnson said. “That’s what it’s all about – healthy eating, good exercising and living well.”
Johnson added that walking paths are being developed in and around the hospital.
Cynthia Grau can be reached at [email protected].