Introducing our new Wellness Facilitator
“I just want to help people,” said Danielle Healis, the new Wellness Facilitator for Associated Food Stores. Healis comes to Associated with a passion to do just that, help people. “I have a passion for wellness,” said Danielle. “And it’s not just about exercise, we need to care about the physical, mental, emotional, financial, social well-being of everyone here.”
Danielle has a varied background when it comes to fitness and well-being. After high school in San Diego, she played volleyball at Southern Vermont College where she became an All-American in the NECC. After graduating with a degree in community health she became an assistant coach at Suny Potsdam in New York where she earned her masters degree. Before Danielle made her way all the way back west, she took a detour to Pittsburgh where she was a trainer. However, when she saw the opening for a wellness facilitator at Associated Food Stores in Salt Lake City, she knew, “this is it!”
Danielle is excited to get working with everyone throughout the AFS system. “Everyone knows what to do,” she said. “Some may just not know how to get started. I’m looking forward to one-on-one discussions and ask, ‘what does health look like to you?’ It will just be small steps, maybe an extra eight ounces of water, starting with small steps we repeat every day.”
One of Danielle’s favorite questions to those she works with is, “what kinds of activities did you enjoy when you were younger? To begin, if someone is willing to just walk 10 minutes a day, I say great, let’s start there!”
Mental health is just as important to Danielle as physical improvement. “When it comes to your mental health, I encourage people to be a little selfish,” she said. “When is the last time you did absolutely nothing? In our country we feel we are ‘lazy’ if we are not running all the time. Usually if you take care of your mental health, your physical health will follow and your social health will be right behind.”
Healis wants to make sure she does not come across as this example of perfect nutrition and health. “Oh, trust me, I love food,” she says. “Mexican food, junk food… I love Chili’s! I try to live the 80/20 rule, but if you give me a crumble cookie, I will crush it!”
Associated is lucky to have a wellness the caliber of Healis joining the team. Begin watching for health and wellness tips and activities from her. If you see Danielle at retail, the distribution center, or the corporate office, she is anxious to meet you. If you have questions, she can be reached at DNHealis@afstores.com or (801) 978-4412.
“I’m excited to get started,” said Danielle. “We have some great Select Health programs we will be using, and I’m looking forward to meeting with individuals to see what goals they want to set and get to work on them!”