CANANDAIGUA - The Associate Wellness Committee at UR Medicine Thompson Health hosted a Jan. 15 ceremony to celebrate staff members recognized throughout 2018 as the organization’s "Health Heroes," surprising Kurt Taylor of Honeoye with the news that he was chosen - among all the 2018 honorees - to be the Health Hero of the Year.
Taylor, who works in the health system’s Facility Services Department, has lost approximately 40 pounds while taking part in fitness activities and improving muscle tone. As Health Hero of the Year, he received a Fitbit as well as 50 points to use toward purchasing items on an internal, online recognition site. His name is now featured on a plaque at the hospital.
The other 2018 Health Heroes each received 20 points. They were:
- Bani Aello of Victor
- Jennifer Dane of Victor
- Kate Meighan of Canandaigua
- Howard Morgan of Naples
- Erin Mowry of Penn Yan
- Jen Muscato of Canandaigua
- Elizabeth Potter of Stanley
- Julie Snyder of Geneva
- Bill Vaughn of Rushville
- Nicki Zimmerman of Canandaigua
Health Heroes are named quarterly at Thompson, in recognition of lifestyle changes for better health. Each receives their choice of logo apparel, and their story is featured in Thompson's internal newsletter.
Thompson Health President/CEO Michael F. Stapleton Jr., FACHE, told those at the Jan. 15 ceremony they are excellent role models for coworkers. By contributing to a healthier workforce, he said, Thompson can provide better service, inspire others to make healthy changes, improve employee retention, and offer its employees lower health insurance premiums.