Central Nebraskans are stepping up to the plate in 2013 by changing policy in the work place to help promote a healthy lifestyle.

At different times of the day employees at the central district health department take a break to take care of themselves.

'You get a chance to workout you come back you are more refreshed to do the same thing you were doing before," said Central District Health Department Employee Jeremy Eschliman.

The wellness center is something new and employees say they love it.

Especially this time of year when new years resolutions are tapering off.

"Small changes you make in your life style is a big help, and to know that you can use a facility like this at a work site is a big plus," said Eschliman.

The small changes are part of a campaign called "step up to the plate" and healthy works.
Part of the community wide effort is to strengthen and create opportunities to make healthy choices while removing barriers.

"We've seen a ton of extra policies put in place, from allowing extra time on the break to be physically active to completely eliminating sugar sweet beverages," said Heatlh Educator Amy Wieczorek with the Central District Health Department.

Wieczorek says company programs have a huge impact on employee health status because they can be low cost, highly visible, and influence everyone at the workplace.

"It's a great time to get started, thinking about your health and wellness, in the culture we live in," said Wieczorek.