Gerald Coon
Executive Director
St. Francis Children’s Center
Milwaukee
www.sfcckids.org
What does your daily or weekly fitness regimen consist of?
Weight training and aerobic exercise early mornings M-F. Pilates/Yoga winter weekends. I also watch what I eat, although I am not a fanatic about it, I try to enjoy in moderation.
What fitness clubs do you belong to, if any?
Bally’s Downtown
Other than the obvious health benefits, how has being fit improved your life?
My exercise time is some of my best mental health time, the time I prepare for my day. Combined with good health, this makes approaching 50 is a pretty good thing.
How does personal fitness affect your work life?
I never get sick so I never miss work. I am grateful that I am healthy and that I love what I do – I never take either of those things for granted.
Do you have a corporate health or wellness initiative?
No
What health/wellness organizations do you contract with, if any?
none
How does fitness or wellness affect your overall organization?
2008 marks the second year we have offered a high deductible Health Savings Account plan. We cover a higher percentage of the premium so those who rarely use health care benefit financially, and the more frequent users still spend no more out of pocket than under a traditional plan. This has opened a lot of eyes to each employee’s personal approach to health care, which has been a good thing.
What advice do you have for other executives interested in starting either a personal fitness plan or corporate wellness initiative?
Just being aware of how our personal choices about diet and exercise impact our health is the start.
