Kaiser Santa Rosa Worksite Wellness Gets a Champion

When setting a goal, you can make it challenging, fun or both! Kirk Pappas, MD, climbed Half Dome in Yosemite. "It's a common climb," says Dr. Pappas who took 7-1/2 hours to complete the adventure. Want to make this a goal of yours?

The concepts of prevention and wellness have been around for centuries. We know what we should do, but, when it comes to words into action, many of us can't seem to find the time, energy or motivation. With some help, the times are a changin'. Last fall, worksite wellness got a new advocate when Kirk Pappas, MD, agreed to take on the role of assistant physician-in-chief (APIC) for Health Promotion.

Vital to Kaiser Santa Rosa's Future

"This is a new and important role for our future," explains Bob Schultz, MD, PIC (Physician in Chief). "In addition to improving the health of our existing members, Kirk's job will be to help us grow and retain membership through involvement with the community and employers."

Dr. Pappas believes one of the most effective ways we can impress and attract community members and employers is to "walk the talk" when it comes to health. This leads straight to Dr. Pappas's third primary duty - embedding health promotion into all aspects of medical center operations, and making wellness a priority for staff and physicians.

"The doctor of the future will give no medicine, but instead will interest his patients in the care of the human frame, in diet, and in the cause and prevention of disease."
Thomas Edison, 1847-1931

At Kaiser Permanente, we talk about "People. Understanding. Health." points out Dr. Pappas. "We advise our members to live well. But, if we don't practice what we preach and exhibit that we are truly about health, then how can we expect members to believe us or take our advice?"

Wellness at work

"What we do for our staff should be no different than what we do for our members," says Dr. Pappas. "We already have tools to make our lives easier and improve our health. Now, we just need to use them."

You'll find online options at http://www.kp.org/thrive. They include access to the 10,000 steps program, healthy recipes, information on Weight Watchers, and much more.

Tips to Making a Change

An avid athlete and marathon runner, Dr. Pappas recalls on his Web page how "Aerobic exercise changed my life. I remember the first time I bought a pair of running shoes, it was 1996...".

Change is hard, acknowledges Dr. Pappas, "Especially when you try making it as an individual. Find a partner or even a team. As a group working out together, you can be more successful."

Dr. Pappas also encourages people to write down their goals. "When you write down your goals, you make them real," he explains. "Put them where you and others can see them every day, all the time. And, be sure to look at your goals frequently."

Dr. Pappas came to Kaiser Santa Rosa in 1993 where he's specialized in Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation thanks to his passionate interest in sports. His enthusiasm for "getting out there and moving" will hopefully inspire us all to follow his example.