Chamber Health and Wellness

wellness logo

Interested in helping create a healthier community? Join the Chamber Worksite Wellness Committee by emailing the Chamber!

Thanks to Chamber members who contributed to Voluntary Workforce Attraction dues, the Worksite Wellness committee is able to offer new programs, plan highly successful events, and support the important Building CommUNITY initiative.

Workplace Wellness Award
Has your workplace gone above and beyond in implementing health and well-being initiatives?  Help honor their achievements at the Chamber’s Annual Meeting in early October by nominating them for the Workplace Wellness Award. Contact the Chamber for details.

2023 Workplace Wellness Award Recipient

ISU Extension & Outreach - Cerro Gordo County

At Cerro Gordo County Extension, leadership encourages and promotes wellness programs whole-heartedly and with enthusiasm, ensuring they are inclusive to each staff-member who wants to join in on wellness activities. ISU Extension is also an active Certified Inclusive Employer, participating in on-going trainings and topics that focus on belonging, inclusion, and overall community wellness.

In addition, employees participate in the annual Healthiest State Walk, maintaining their building grounds, and making food from their Spend Smart, Eat Smart program which provides tools to help families with meal planning, shopping, and cooking. Outside of the office, they partake in fun group activities such as line dancing and bird watching. Their team truly promotes health and prosperity in and out of the workplace, finding that employees enjoy their work more when they are able to prioritize their personal well-being.

By promoting employee health and wellness in the office, their team grows together, benefitting both mentally and physically. Congratulations to the Cerro Gordo County Extension team for prioritizing well-being in the workplace and being chosen as the 2023 Workplace Wellness Award Recipient!

Videos of Past Recipients:

2022 - Kingland
2021 - CL Tel
2020 - Smithfield & CURRIES
2019 - POET Biorefining - Hanlontown
2018 - Sukup Manufacturing
2017 - Metalcraft
2016 - North Iowa Area Community College

 

 

 

 

 

 

Mental Health

May is Mental Health Awareness Month and is a great time to reduce stigma by starting conversations and increasing understanding about mental illness. Here is a toolkit for use by workplaces, ambassadors and individuals. This resource will give you the tools to educate your networks about mental health with Make It OK.

Information and resources from Mental Health First Aid:

If you or someone you care about feels overwhelmed with emotions like sadness, depression or anxiety, or like you want to harm yourself or others call 911.

You can also contact the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration’s (SAMHSA) Disaster Distress Helpline at 800-985-5990, the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 800-273-8255 or text MHFA to 741741 to talk to a Crisis Text Line counselor.

Physical Wellness

Best Ways to Stay Active in Mason City

  1. Walk/Hike
    1. Mason City has various routes for walkers of all ages. From scenic routes among the nature to ones that immerse you in the history and culture of our area, walking in Mason City is sure to be a great way to get exercise! Lime Creek is a great place for the outdoorsmen with its hiking trials along the river and through the wooded nature center. If you haven't yet, check out the Sculptures on Parade for a 1.7-mile walking route to experience the art downtown!
  2. Bike
    1. Over the years, the Mason City Bike Trails have continued to grow. With trails all across town, there is sure to be one that fits your needs! Click here for the bike trail map!
  3. Swim
    1. Looking for a different way to get moving? Try swimming! According to the Better Health Channel, swimming is the perfect way to get your heart rate up without the impact or stress on your body. Go for a dip at the Mason City Family YMCA or Mason City Family Aquatic Center!
  4. Pickleball or Tennis
    1. Here in Mason City, we are lucky to have several places to play tennis and pickleball! East park is home to both tennis and pickleball courts, and West park offers 3 courts for tennis. Pickleball has risen in  popularity in this area as a sport for all ages. Check out the pickleball schedule or join the Mason City Pickleball Club! In the winter months, pickleball players compete at the YMCA!
  5. Parks and Rec
    1. The Mason City Parks and Recreation department strives to offer fun activities and programs for area youth and adults! Whether it be summer lessons, camps, childcare, or youth sports, this department is sure to provide active family fun!

Follow the Chamber's Pinterest page for Wellness Tips & Ideas.

More Wellness in North Iowa --

The Healthiest State Initiative, in partnership with the Iowa Department of Public Health, has launched a new opportunity for Iowa workplaces to support healthy choices for their employees. Employers of all sizes and representing all sectors are invited to sign up as a 5-2-1-0 Healthy Choices Count! Registered Workplace.

Like Healthy- Mason City on Facebook for the most up-to-date wellness initiatives in our community.

Live Healthy Iowa Speaker Series
Looking for healthy resources or connections to services or providers? The Live Healthy Iowa team is building a free webinar series, offered via Zoom, to expand learning opportunities on selected health topics. Each webinar will be offered from Noon-1pm on the listed date. All webinars will be recorded and links will be posted on the LHI website for future access.

Mason City Bike Trails:

Mason City Walking Route Maps:

Elmwood St. Joseph Cemetery Nature Walk
Elmwood St. Joseph Cemetery Spiritual Walk
Elmwood St. Joseph Cemetery Historical Walk
Sculpture Walk
Borealis Walking Route
Central Park Walking Route
Footbridge Walking Route
Landscape Walking Route
Prairie House Walking Route
Stockman House Walking Route
Central Park to Footbridge Walking Route
Central Park to Rock Glen Walking Route
Central Park Long Loop Walking Route
The Loop Walking Route
Norris Park Walking Route
Southbridge and Downtown Walking Route

Designated 5-2-1-0 Work-Site

5210 DSMThe Mason City Chamber of Commerce is proud to be a Designated 5-2-1-0!

The work site pledge provides resources, expertise, and collateral to help complete the pledge items along with detailed information on the research behind each pledge action item.  We encourage your work site to join the movement and become a designated work site.

Throughout the designation, the Chamber has implemented several wellness-related items. Offering personality assessments to employees, creating walking routes throughout the Commerce Center, micro walking breaks, and a step tracking program.

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