DERRY — Town employees will be looking to slim down this summer.

Once again this year, Derry is participating in the New Hampshire Local Government Center Health and Safety Coordinator program.

Under the program, the town is implementing programs to focus on the health and wellness of its employees and their families.

“Barbara Chapman, our deputy assessor, has been a real mover and shaker when it comes to employee wellness,” said Assistant Town Administrator Larry Budreau.

One component of the Local Government Center's program is a $500 grant that allows the town to participate in and implement health, safety and wellness programs.

“The use is discretionary,” said Budreau. “Barbara participates with the employee activity committee, and we make some choices to have things such as healthy foods at some events and health-related lectures.”

One program this year had employees' weight and body mass index calculated. Throughout the summer, the employees will participate in healthy activities, and the person with the greatest improvement over the summer will earn a cash award, Budreau said.

“Employee wellness is one of the best ways to attack health care costs,” he said. “You can really make a difference by promoting wellness with employees and hope that wellness extends to their families.”

Other programs promoted by the town include an annual wellness fair, on-site nutrition education and exercise programs.

aswift@newstote.com