Employee Wellness
Health Starts Here
Upcoming Events
Congratulations to our June Employee Wellness Champion - Max Swanger!
We’re so happy to announce Max Swanger as our June Employee Wellness Champion. Max exemplifies dedication through his commitment to cycling as a mode of transportation. His unwavering focus on health and well-being is an inspiration. Way to go Max!
Prediabetes:What You Need to Know
Have you been told you have prediabetes? Did you know that most people who develop type 2 diabetes have prediabetes first? The good
news is, if you have prediabetes you may prevent or delay the development of type 2 diabetes with lifestyle changes. Join us to learn
more about the steps you can take to reduce your risk. This session is led by the diabetes educators from Dominican’s Diabetes Management
Program.
When: Thu 7/10/2025, 4:00-6:00 pm
Where: Virtual
Please call (831) 457-7099 to register.
MYWellness is back for 2025
Why join in?
- Find fresh inspiration to move forward on your well-being journey this year with MyWellness.
- Eligible employees can earn and redeem points worth up to $450.
- Visit the MyWellness website and discover more than 100 ways the MyWellness program can support your physical, emotional, social and spiritual wellness.
MyWellness Webinars
Boost Your Energy and Overcome Fatigue
In this webinar, you will learn the different types of energy we have and methods to support them. We will uncover how sleep, food, stress and exercise can affect energy levels in both positive and negative ways. Watch the webinar, then complete the quiz to earn 500 MyWellness Points.
Have You Taken the Health Check Survey Yet?
Ready to prioritize your well-being? Take the Health Check Survey today. This brief survey will help you identify areas you may wish to focus on for improvement. Be kind to yourself and take the first step today. You can earn 1,000 MyWellness Points for taking the Health Check Survey (once per program year).
Massages in the Mezzanine - Evening hours added!
Stay resilient this holiday season with a relaxing massage that focuses on your back, shoulders, neck, and arms.
- When: Tuesdays & Wednesdays from 12:00-4:00 p.m. & Fridays from 3:00-7:00 p.m.
- Where: Mezzanine, above the main lobby
- Cost: 8 minutes for $12. Purchase massage tokens at Jazzland Coffee (Credit Card or Venmo).
Click here or use the QR code below to reserve massage time. Drop-in times are available on a first come, first serve basis.
Wellness classes at the Dignity Health Wellness Center
Employee Wellness and PEP offer over 100 health and wellness classes, almost all of which are free. Click here to view the full list of classes offered through PEP. Here are just a few of the many offerings:
Weight Management 101: Getting Started
In this online class you'll learn how to permanently change your eating habits and break the “diet mentality” for good. Registered Dietitian, Melissa DeVera will lead a discussion on scientifically proven strategies to help you lose weight and keep it off.
When: Thu 7/16/2025, 2:00-2:50 pm
Where: Virtual
Please call (831) 457-7099 to register.
Try Two or More Employee Fitness Classes to Earn 300 MyWellness Points.
Get pumped because our FREE Employee Fitness Classes are back in action on March 11th! Want to score a cool 300 MyWellness points? Just attend two different classes, like Cardio Spin and Yoga Flow, and you’re golden! Don’t wait though as this bonus is limited to the first 10 employees to participate.
Core Strength: Tues 4:00-4:30 p.m. Mind-body exercises to strengthen your core, improve your posture & free your mind.
Cardio/Spin: Tues 4:45 -5:30 p.m. Interval training using a spin bike or other aerobic equipment to improve your cardiovascular fitness & help relieve stress.
Yoga Flow: Wed 4:00-4:50 p.m. Yoga postures and guided breath-work to improve balance, flexibility and promote inner calm. All levels are welcome.
Gentle Yoga: Wed 5:00-5:50 p.m. Unwind and ease into your evening feeling more at peace. This soothing, slow-paced class uses basic yoga poses and breathwork to promote a deep sense of calm for your body and mind. (Begins September 6)
Meditation Moment: Tues 12:15-12:30 p.m. Have you ever wanted to just relax your mind? Come learn to train your attention and stop your mind from reflexively passing aimlessly from one subject to another. Drop in and join us! Meet at the Poppy Patio (next to the Doctor’s lounge). Meditation Moment will meet at the regularly scheduled time throughout February.
No registration is required for these classes. For more information please contact [email protected].
The Employee Gym is Open!
If you are a new gym user you’ll need to complete a brief competency and liability waiver before using the gym. Click on the buttons below to review the Employee Gym Powerpoint and complete the competency and waiver. Please email your completed competency and waiver to [email protected].
Employee Gym Competency Powerpoint
Healthy Nutrition for Living
Join a Dignity Health registered dietitian for a series of free informative talks to improve your diet and lifestyle. Topics include:
- Unhealthy Eating-Breaking the Cycle
- ABC’s of Mindful Eating
- Emotional Eating and Stress
- Plant-Based Flexitarian Eating
When: Last Wednesday of each month from 12-12:50 pm
Where: Dignity Health Wellness Center - 21340 E. Cliff Drive, Santa Cruz
To register please call 877-648-4273
Calendar
View the complete schedule and registration information for classes, coaching, and massage on the calendar below. Please check the calendar below for days and times for current wellness classes at the DECC and at the Wellness Center. Please note the location for each class listing.
Offerings for Dominican Hospital Employees
Discounted Surf & Sup Lessons
Have you ever dreamed of riding the waves or gliding gracefully on a paddleboard? Catch the perfect wave of savings with a 15% discount at Capitola Surf and Paddle! Just scan the QR code or paddle over to www.capitolasurfandpaddle.com for more information.
Feel Supported Every Step of the Way with Lyra
Lyra can help you navigate everyday challenges & manage complex mental health issues. You and your eligible dependents can access 10 coaching or therapy sessions per person, per year, at no cost. Click here to learn more and to see what other CommonSpirit Health team members have said about their experience with Lyra.
Discounted Gym Memberships Available
As a CommonSpirit Health employee, you have access to discounted gym memberships at popular brands like 24 Hour Fitness, Orange Theory and Club Pilates through LifeMart’s Active&Fit Direct program. Join Active&Fit Direct for free by using promo code FITFORFALL.
Pain Management Program from Kaia Health
Don't let chronic pain prevent you from reaching your goals. Kaia can help you manage your pain at home by offering a drug-free option with exercises for the body and mind. Earn 250 MyWellness points when you complete the Kaia self-assessment survey. Click here for more information.
Mindfulness Minute: Embracing Calm
Take a few mindful minutes to embrace calm, using the helpful resources provided by Lyra, our mental health benefit provider. Sign up for Lyra and explore a five minute meditation, listen to a soothing soundscape or take a moment to find relief through your breath.
Meditation: Smiling Escape
Soundscape: Summer Rain
Breathing Exercise: Circle
Learn more about the mental health benefit support available to you and your eligible dependents and household members, at no cost to you, through Lyra. Once you sign in, you'll have access to a variety of mental wellness resources, exercises to practice resiliency, consultations on work-life topics and one-on-one sessions with a provider.
Reserve Time in the Lactation Room
In order to ensure that all nursing moms have access to our lactation room at a time that is convenient to them, please sign up for a time slot in advance. As you enter the East entrance, the lactation room is on the left after you go through the first door on the left. Please click here to reserve your time.
Commuter Club
- Dominican Hospital is pleased to announce that GO Santa Cruz County is now available as a benefit for all staff. Every time you log a carpool, transit, bike, or walk trip (or telecommute), you earn points towards the Commute Rewards Program. Points can be accumulated and redeemed for $5, $10 or $25 gift cards.
- Register by visiting my.cruz511.org/s/dominican-hospital and joining the GO Santa Cruz County Dominican network. GO Santa Cruz County includes rewards and incentives, trip planning support, and a carpool matching tool.
- The Go Santa Cruz County program has replaced our previous Commuter Club.
Sleep Better, Feel Better
Trouble sleeping? Unwind and recharge with a soothing meditation, learn tips to calm nighttime worries and anxieties. Check out these resources from Lyra and explore ways you can prioritize your sleep and mental health.
Questions?
If you have questions about wellness programming please contact [email protected] or [email protected].