The press announcement was made at the State Room Cafe at the Utah Capitol, where at least 40 percent of sales are from nutritious food, said manager Todd Huchendorf. Nutritious foods include the salad bar, made-to-order sandwiches, juices and healthy entrees, he said. The cafe has "committed to work with the Health Department" on providing and pointing out healthy choices.

The plan's "wellness council" concept isn't entirely new. The Department of Corrections, for instance, has had one for some time. Over four years, the number of participants, made up of people working in the department, has grown. They have started walking traditions, as well as offering brown bag seminars each month. Topics have included everything from weight lifting to Mediterranean cooking, aerobics, basketball and yoga, said Judith Henley, who serves on that council.

"We encourage other agencies to utilize employees to establish wellness councils," she said. "Increased activity and eating better reduces stress and improves health overall."

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E-mail: lois@desnews.com