Donna Cannon, RN, BSN, OCN, CPHQ, wanted to play more with her 7-year-old daughter. Problem was, the oncology clinical research nurse was in poor physical shape.

A string of 38 surgeries and a lifetime of taking prednisone for an adrenal disorder left her tired much of the time. Still, "I knew I felt better when I worked out," she said.

It was while recuperating from a broken foot that Cannon was inspired by a national fitness challenge on television.

"I thought, 'I can do that.' I decided at that point to get someone to help me figure out how to take the challenges of my own physical condition and health history and get fit," Cannon said.

At about this same time, Gail Winston, RN, director of DeKalb Medical Center's integrative medicine program, initiated the Employee Fitness Challenge at the hospital. The two-month challenge, which ends later this month, combines exercise goals and teamwork.

"In two months, you can see good gains in fitness," Winston said.

More than 650 employees signed on to trim waistlines, strengthen their bodies and lower cholesterol levels.

Besides personal goals, there are team objectives. The team with the greatest fitness gains - measured in reduced body fat percentage, flexibility and cardiovascular fitness - will split $1,000 and get a paid day off. Second-place teams receive $500 and thirdplace finishers split $250.

In addition, the participant who achieves the greatest personal fitness gains will receive $100 and a day off with pay.

Employees from the hospital's main campus, Hillandale location and Decatur Hospital, teamed up in groups of up to six members. Participants were measured for weight, body-fat percentage, flexibility, muscular strength and cardiovascular fitness to establish a baseline.

The hospital developed mile signage for indoor walkers at the main campus, initiated walking clubs, developed an intranet site with health and nutrition tips and added more light fare to its cafeteria menu.

The challenge will be followed with a postassessment of participants from July 24 to 30.

Cannon's first goal was to work out for five minutes on the elliptical machine. After working for more than two months with a trainer at the DeKalb Wellness Center, she can work out on the machine for 45 minutes.

"I don't care about the money or the day off," she said. "I win just by going."