Mayo Regional Hospital hosts employee ski day
DOVER-FOXCROFT — Mayo Regional Hospital has announced a “Ski Day” for its employees and families in February. The first 100 employees to register are able to ski for free. Officials at the hospital say that this is to encourage employee wellness while calling attention to American Heart Month, which is recognized throughout February.
“Heart health and the prevention of heart disease is so important,” said Mayo Regional Hospital President and CEO Marie Vienneau. “Heart disease is the leading cause of death for men and women in this country, but in some cases healthy choices can help prevent it. Being active and exercising is a great choice to make for your heart.”
Ski Day for Mayo Regional Hospital employees is Saturday, Feb. 29 at Big Squaw Mountain in Greenville Junction. Mayo employees will just need to show their badge for themselves and their family for a healthy day of skiing.
“Even though Maine’s winter months are cold, there are plenty of heart-healthy activities for the whole family,” Vienneau said. “Snow-shoeing, skiing, sledding and skating keep us active and healthy and are a lot of fun for all ages. The more that employers can do to encourage these activities, the more likely we all are to engage in healthy activities on our own.”
American Heart Month is federally recognized, first proclaimed by Lyndon B. Johnson and recognized in 1964. Exercise, good nutrition, and individuals knowing their own numbers like blood pressure and cholesterol are recommended strategies to stay heart healthy.
In recognition of American Heart Month, Mayo Regional Hospital is also hosting a free heart health screening from 6:30-10 a.m. on Tuesday, Feb. 18 and Wednesday, Feb. 19 on the first floor of the Old Mayo Building, 895 West Main St. The free screening is open to the public and will check attendees’ blood pressure, fasting lipid profiles and glucose. A simple, quick blood draw will be required for fasting lipid profiles and glucose, and participants requiring a blood draw should plan to fast for 6-12 hours prior to the visit.
The American Heart Association is also marking American Heart Month in February and its own National Wear Red Day on Friday, Febr 7.
Mayo Regional Hospital is a 25-bed Critical Access Hospital and Health System. Mayo has five rural health clinics throughout the region, provides EMS for all of Piscataquis County, psychiatry and counseling services and various surgical specialties. Mayo Regional is the hub for healthcare and the largest employer in the region. For more information, visit mayohospital.com.