THE Jamaica Observer yesterday joined a list of companies and gyms that have partnered with Jamaica Fitness Association (Jamfit) to expose employees to the importance of keeping fit and healthy.

The company executed a two-hour event, where representatives from several organisations converged on the grounds of the newspaper’s Beechwood Avenue, Kingston offices to sell products that promote a healthy lifestyle.

Human resources, training and development officer at the Observer Jason Brown said yesterday that when the human resource department was approached by Jamfit about being part of its initiative, it was easy to agree to the proposal.

“Health and wellness is important to us as a company… so when Jamfit Association contacted us, it was a no-brainer to have them come in and promote healthy lifestyle… to our team members,” Brown said.

Employees took advantage of the huge discounts and sampling that were available to them, while representatives from the companies — Nestle, Ensure, Yoplait, which is distributed by Wisynco, Lasco, Herbalife, and Facey Commodities, the distributors of Pharmaton and Enterex — eagerly provided information on their products.

Herballife, the primary nutrition provider for Jamfit, offered free analyses and made recommendations to staff members on how much of their diet they need to adjust and what products would be best for them.

Weight loss is a major concern for many people, but according to wellness coach for Herbalife Vanneth Kirlew, sometimes one may also need to gain or simply maintain their weight.

Meanwhile, another Herbalife representative, Tameka Smith, said using the global nutrition and weight management company’s product is not just a one-time thing, but a lifestyle.

“…You don’t go back to your old eating habits… and we have made it easier for you because some persons work every day and they don’t have the time to stop for breakfast,“ she said.

Representatives also provided recipes by Lasco Distributors, which had easy and creative ways to prepare healthy snacks and meals.

Meanwhile, Brown was pleased with the Jamfit partnership. He pointed out that the Observer has its own gym and also offers aerobics classes for employees.

“Healthy team members translate to productive team members,” Brown said.