Make the choice…

Ann Coughlan is CEO of Mercy Parklands and a Director on the Board of the NZ Aged Care Association. Mercy Parklands has a facility-wide staff wellness programme for its 120 employees and has invested significantly in this over the years. Ann herself has made a huge personal commitment to support staff in this area, including gym memberships, workout buddy programmes, mindfulness programmes, blood and biometric screening, budgeting advice, preventative care, health screening, smoking cessation programmes, well-women programmes and diabetes testing. It’s quite the list!

But despite being committed to good health for herself and her staff, Ann admits that finding time to prioritise exercise and well-being can be pretty challenging.

“There are a lot of pressures on me - and I don’t believe exercise should be one of them!”

Take the first step…

After a few international cycling and walking holidays, Ann decided to apply for the 2017 Partners Life DUAL Scholarship Programme and commit to a more disciplined training régime. And at 62, she has just been selected as one of 15 participants in the $1500 scholarship programme. Her goal? To prepare for the Partners Life DUAL - and to get more balance in her life.

The DUAL Scholarship Programme includes weekly boot-camp, a personal trainer, nutrition advice, online support, exercise gear and the entry fee to the event.

Get hooked and keep going!

“I like that the scholarship programme allows me to keep score of my own progress with a targeted goal to work towards. I also really like the group dynamic, and experiencing new challenges. Physical and mental wellness helps me deal better with challenging work issues - and the constant exposure to the sheer fragility of life I meet in my line of work.”

“As CEO, I know I can cast a big shadow on those around me – and I need to make sure my shadow isn’t any bigger than it needs to be! The simple benefit of being healthy, eating right and exercising ensures that my work and personal culture and wellness are right on track!” she says. "Can't wait for race day!"