MONROE — Dean Health Plan awarded a $1,000 wellness grant to Eckdhal Family Dentistry, 912 16th Avenue, Monroe. 

The grant will make it possible for a new program — Smart Moves to Be Well — to be offered to employees to prevent and manage work-related pain and tensions through strength-building, relaxation and stretching exercises that are designed specifically for dental providers. The program targets the unique strains employees experience daily in a dental practice. 

The program will offer exercise balls, stretch bands, mats and a monitor to be able to watch dental-specific videos. 

“With this grant we hope to provide education, space, equipment and resources for dental professionals to enhance their own health and resilience,” said owner Janelle Eckdhal. “The goals are to reduce musculoskeletal fatigue, increase mobility, provide an area of mental relaxation, and to encourage emotional team building.”

“We are committed to supporting the health and well-being of the community and our members. Our employer groups are a great place to start to establish new healthy patterns,” said Teri Helmke, Director-Employer Health Services at Dean Health Plan. “We offer the best first place for members to trust us with their health care.”

Dean Health Plan accepts employer applications for its wellness grants annually. This year, eight organizations were awarded. A multi-disciplinary committee reviews the applications and uses a rating system to determine recipients. The Fall 2022 wellness grant application is now open for insured groups.

“Award-winners successfully demonstrated that their wellness programs are measurable and align with a ‘whole person’ approach to wellness,” said Helmke. Dean Health Plan has a Platinum award-winning Health & Wellness Program through the Wellness Council of America. For information and resources, visit deancare.com/workplacewellness.