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Electric Boat sponsored a week-long health initiative, providing information on important medical, health and wellness topics to about 1,000 employees. “We are dedicated to providing the resources our employees require to receive the quality programs that will encourage positive behavior changes,” said Al Ayers, director of Health, Wellness and Disability Benefits. Each day, local hospitals and outreach organizations presented information and offered professional assistance. Gov. M. Jodi Rell’s Colon Cancer Initiative was represented by St. Francis Hospital personnel. Local hospitals provided sleep laboratory and cardiovascular risk assessments, and dietician services.

In addition, the American Heart Association, the American Cancer Society, the Lyme Disease Association, a urologist, a gastroenterologist, an optometrist and other health-related professionals offered outreach programs. Electric Boat also provided cholesterol, glucose, body fat, body mass index and blood pressure screenings. “By being continually visible to our employees, we repeat the message that it is imperative for people to modify their lifestyle to feel better and lead more productive lives,” said EB Medical Director Dr. Robert Hurley.

General Dynamics Armament and Technical Products initiated an assessment to understand the connection between culture, performance and ethics. The results are an assessment of our collective values as employees and as a company. The assessment provides insights into what is important to employees as well as ideas to move to a high performance organization. Initiatives implemented include alternative work schedules to support work/life balance, emphasis on continuous improvement, leadership development, and recognition programs such as the annual President’s Awards.

General Dynamics Ordnance and Tactical Systems fully supports wellness initiatives. All locations develop and summit an annual wellness calendar and report their monthly wellness activities to the president’s executive staff.

Wellness programs are designed to inform, educate and empower employees and their families to become educated healthcare consumers. The strategy is to manage our healthcare dollars wisely to keep our people healthy. Resources are focused in three main areas: education, prevention and physical fitness. The Wellness programs are customized by location demographics and strive to promote healthy lifestyles.

General Dynamics business units understand that weight management is key to keeping employees healthy and productive. General Dynamics Information Technology launched a communications effort with a newsletter, “Healthy Connections,” in August 2008 to educate employees on the importance of weight management. Healthy Connections has provided employees with helpful tips and “to dos” on eating better, getting active and feeling healthier. The communications campaign wasn’t necessarily about telling people to pick a diet and lose weight. Rather, it helped educate employees about making healthy lifestyle choices and taking on new habits to help curb weight issues.

General Dynamics Land Systems offered wellness programs, branded as Land a Healthier You 2008. In January, all employees received a Healthy You 2008 Calendar containing monthly information on health-related topics. In April, the company newspaper, Landmarks, published a Land a Healthier You version, which was delivered to all employees. This Landmarks edition was full of healthy tips and information. Every month, employees receive articles via e-mail regarding health-related subjects. More than 5,000 personal pedometers were distributed for employees to log their steps.

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