Sheriff’s Deputies Join Another Academy

 

Working long shifts and odd hours can be hard on the body. But, one County department has found a way to get and stay healthy while keeping us safe.

More than 100 San Diego County Sheriff’s deputies recently entered the Sheriff’s Health Academy – a new pilot wellness program that was developed to encourage sworn personnel to improve their health, reduce stress and make long-lasting lifestyle changes.

“The program was specifically tailored to the deputy sheriff that works rotating shifts, nights, holidays, and 12-hour shifts. It’s a healthy diet, exercise and lifestyle program,” said Cmdr. Mike Barnett before a presentation on the program at Tuesday’s Board of Supervisors meeting. He explained that physicians, dietitians and personal trainers crafted individualized goals for deputies.

The Sheriff’s Department and Deputy Sheriff’s Association developed the Health Academy through a partnership with Kaiser Permanente and began recruiting participants over the summer.

In October, 107 participants were given health evaluations to mark the start of the program. Each participant now attends one wellness session per week and is encouraged to exercise and make smart food choices.

Dr. Mike Moreno, the Kaiser Permanente specialist overseeing the program, said numerous deputies lost weight and some have reduced or even eliminated the use of medication.

“We’ve seen amazing results in eight weeks,” Dr. Moreno told the Board. “We’ve seen weight loss of 20, 30, 40, 45 and 50 pounds.”

At the end of the first phase next month, participants will head back to the doctor’s office for their first benchmark checkup. Participants will transition to monthly meetings to maintain their new healthy habits.

Cmdr. Barnett, who is also a participant in the program, said he’s seen an infectious camaraderie around the program and improved health. He said he’s impressed that not one of the participants has dropped out.

Chairwoman Dianne Jacob said she was looking forward to the final results of the program.

“Hopefully this is a program we can expand throughout the department and at some point offer to other County employees,” Jacob said.