How Avera employees are ‘Moving Health Forward’ — even in a pandemic

This paid piece is sponsored by Avera Health.

To get 2022 started, we asked our employees to tell us how they’re moving health forward. Even as we near the third year of the COVID pandemic, our employees are meeting the challenge with gusto, both personally and in their work lives. Read more about how our employees are making a difference every day.

Sign up for our Balance email to learn more about how to move your health forward.

Here’s what they had to say in their own words:

“I’m moving health forward by not looking back. Looking back gives you regrets. Looking to the future gives you opportunities.” — Cindy Milner, housekeeper, Avera Sacred Heart Hospital, Yankton

“I am moving health forward by working with other Avera teams to begin offering new therapies in the treatment of cancer. My technologists come to work each day knowing that they are making a difference in their patients’ lives! This inspires them to keep up to date on the latest imaging techniques so we can keep ‘moving forward!’ ” – Robin Rayman, nuclear medicine manager, Avera McKennan Hospital & University Center, Sioux Falls

“My husband, Terry, and I are drinking more water, eating healthier and exercising so we can be a better version of ourselves raising our two young grandchildren!” – Michelle McLaughlin-Koedam, HIM site coordinator, Avera Merrill Pioneer, Rock Rapids, Iowa

“I am moving health forward in my life by making conscious effort to spend time with my loved ones, whether physically or via smart communication because I realized that family and good friends are very important to one’s mental health.” — Ayobami Balogun, pharmacy intern, Avera McKennan, Sioux Falls

“I’m moving health forward by making time for exercise every day. I haven’t missed a day for two years! A co-worker and I challenge each other to reach our Apple Watch move goals. Exercise is how I start my day, and it’s what energizes me to keep up with our busy days.” — Karen Maher, RN, surgery, Avera Marshall Regional Medical Center, Marshall, Minnesota

“I am moving my health forward by sticking to a workout routine and hitting the gym at least five days a week. This activity makes me feel good not only physically but mentally as well.” — Jodi Jensen, accountant II, Avera Health Plans, Sioux Falls

“I am moving health forward by enjoying the great outdoors with my wife, June. Whether canoeing pristine waters or hiking challenging peaks, taking in the beauty of our natural wonders helps us to stay active.” — David Flicek, president and CEO of Avera McKennan and chief administrative officer for Avera Medical Group, Sioux Falls

We want to know how you’re moving your health forward this year, and it could land you a spot in our Super Bowl commercial! Just go to the Avera Facebook page, and click on the post with contest details to enter before Sunday, Jan. 30, at 11 p.m.