Renfrew County employees are being asked to ‘Step it Up to Mental and Physical Health’ during the month of October.

This is the theme of the sixth annual healthy workplace month, taking place now. The idea is to promote employee health and wellness and promote a healthy workplace culture, explained Bev Zadow, the county’s employee health co-ordinator.

The month is organized by the county’s joint health, safety and wellness corporate committee comprised of employees and members of management. The committee has planned events throughout the month. To mark bipolar disorder awareness day on Oct. 9 and world mental health day on Oct. 10, the committee devised a football tire throw 50/50 game, which cost participants $2 for three throws, with half the proceeds going to the Phoenix Centre to support youth mental health.

The other half went to the winner.

On Wednesday morning, members of the health committee and managers from departments reporting to the committee got to try their luck at the football tire toss. While nobody managed to get the ball through the tire there were some close attempts, and everyone had a good laugh and got to enjoy the crisp fall air.

This week Bruce McIntyre, the county’s media relations and grants co-ordinator, is taking his show on the road to various county work sites to allow other employees to try the football toss.

While there have always been components of mental health awareness during the healthy workplace campaign, this year it is a primary focus.

“The whole idea is recognizing mental health awareness while promoting a fun physical activity,” Ms. Zadow said.

A two-month weigh loss challenge is also underway with about 70 people taking part. This is about the same number as last year, when weigh loss totalled 243.5 pounds.

Other activities include employee mental health awareness sessions, know your number wellness clinics for blood pressure and blood sugar and denim day for charity.

tina.peplinskie@sunmedia.ca

Twitter: @TPeplinskieOBS