PLANO, TEXAS—
It's another busy day at the Baylor Heart Hospital in Plano where a large group of hospital employees look as if they could be heading for a meeting--but actually walking to stay fit.The group of about 90 people calls itself The Pacemakers and walk at least a mile a day and never set foot outdoors.
Seven round trips from the sky bridge--which connects the Heart Hospital to Baylor Regional Medical Center at Plano--it exactly one mile.
The group started tracking it's miles in February and so far members have walked a combined 6,500 miles.
"Oh my gosh I feel so much better I've lost a few pounds which is amazing." Louise Hunt-Price. "I've brought my cholesterol level from 233 to 143 just by walking the two miles a day."
It's all part of a system-wide Baylor hospital wellness program which has more than 14,000 employees taking part--that's a participation rate of better than 70%.
Cardiologist Samuel Woolbert says not allowing mother nature to interfere with your exercise plan can be a lifesaver.
"We know from well done studies that even 30-minutes of walking on a daily basis results in huge cardiovascular benefits," Dr. Woolbert said.
So far those taking part have seen their healthcare costs increase just 1% compared to 9% for those who are not taking part.
Julie Hartman said weight loss isn't the goal but at least one person has lost 35-pounds while others who couldn't walk around the block are now running in 5K events.
"It's a really nice view up here and it's nice and cool so it's nice place to come and exercise during your workday," Hartman said.
For Louise Hunt-Price the health benefits extend far beyond those taking part--cardiac patients can't help but notice the steady stream of hospital employees taking sky bridge to better health.
"They ask what are they doing?" Hunt-Price said. "We'll say walking--just like you should be! So it's been a great encouragement to both the patients and us."
The Baylor wellness program also offers cash incentives for those who participate including an extra $50.00 for exercising three times a week for a certain period of time.
