Vought Employees Circle the Globe Nearly Three Times During Eight-Week Walking Program

DALLAS. – Employees of Vought Aircraft Industries racked up 73,507 miles during an eight-week walking program called Steps to LiveWell@Vought -- enough to circle the globe 2.95 times or walk between New York City and Los Angeles 24.5 times.

Vought issued 2,733 pedometers in September in an effort to help employees become more active one step at a time. There were 706 participants companywide, with 325 completing the entire eight-week walking program. During the first week, participants logged an average of 8,698 steps. By week eight, that number rose to 9,072.

“Research shows that when you’re trying to make lasting changes, tracking behavior is key,” said Vice President of Human Resources Tom Stubbins. “In addition to pedometers, we also provided employees with tracking sheets for them to log their physical activity.”

Some of the Vought sites held weekly drawings from employees who submitted their weekly walking tally sheets. The prizes ranged from fitness-related items such as water bottles and sports apparel to mini-home gym sets.

“The walking program was a big success, both in getting people more active and increasing the awareness that wellness is not just going to the gym -- it happens all day and can fit into anyone’s life,” said Wellness Director Kevin Meiners. “We have a lot of great programs to come. We are currently in the middle of our holiday weight maintenance programto help people work through their nutrition and activity struggles. The 2008 programs will cover everything from stress management to proper nutrition.”

Vought kicked-off its wellness program in June by hosting health fairs for active employees and their immediate families. Participants had the opportunity to receive a free, confidential health screening.

The company enlisted the help of Cooper Aerobics Center’s consulting division, Cooper Ventures, and Matria Healthcare to develop its wellness program. A Cooper wellness coordinator is located onsite at most Vought sites to assist in the design and execution of the wellness program.

About Vought:
Vought Aircraft Industries, Inc. (www.voughtaircraft.com) is one of the world’s largest independent suppliers of aerostructures. Headquartered in Dallas, the company designs and manufactures major airframe structures such as wings, fuselage subassemblies, empennages, nacelles and other components for prime manufacturers of aircraft. Vought has annual sales of approximately $1.6 billion and about 6,000 employees in nine U.S. locations.