Raema Howell, MSHI, BSN, RN
Planner II, Activation & Logistics
Operations and Facilities Management Dept. (OFMD)
Raema began working at WashU one year ago, and joined the Wellness Champion network in fall of 2021. As a new employee, Raema wanted an opportunity within the organization to connect with the surrounding community and raise awareness about healthy lifestyles. She has participated in the American Heart Association (AHA) Heart Walk for the past four years as a BJC employee, and was excited to learn she could participate again and connect the AHA with her community at WashU. Wellness Connection is proud to support our Champions in their efforts to promote health, wellness, and awareness.
This year, Raema will serve as a team coa
ch for the AHA 2022 Metro St. Louis Heart Walk, which takes place on Saturday, May 21, 2022, at 9:00 AM at Busch Stadium. If you’d like to join in the fight to defeat heart disease and stroke, boost physical and emotional health, and impact your community by helping to save lives, this family friendly event is for you.
What first drew you to the American Heart Association and their Heart Walk?
My passion for participating in the AHA is deeply rooted in my family history. When I was a child, my grandfather died from a heart attack. He was the kindest man you would ever meet, but unfortunately healthcare options and heart health awareness was limited at that time. Fast forward 30 years, and my father’s life was prolonged thanks to my mother understanding the warning signs of a heart attack. She was educated, aware, and sought immediate help during his critical need. That’s what the AHA is all about!
Participating in the AHA Heart Walk is important to me because of all the family and friends who have lost loved ones over the years. Heart disease and stroke affect 1 in 3 adults. Ignoring warning signs can result in loss of life. That should not happen with all of the resources that are now available to us. Also, I’m passionate about raising awareness about healthy eating and healthy living. Through education and awareness, we can eat smarter, move more, and live longer.
How can we support your Heart Walk team?
The 2022 Metro St. Louis Heart Walk is an opportunity to take a break and pause from our busy lives and do something for ourselves and our community. You can walk at the in-person event or wherever you feel inspired! Participating and donating to the Heart Walk will save and improve lives, and it’s so easy to get started. The AHA has an upgraded all-digital platform, making it easier to connect, share, and get rewarded! For more information and to sign up as a walker, please visit: heartwalk.org and look for the team name: WashU Wellness Walkers. Questions? Check out these registration instructions or reach out to raema@wustl.edu with any questions.
What motivates you to volunteer as a Wellness Champion?
I want to foster a culture of wellness in the workplace and create awareness about a healthy lifestyle for WashU employees. As a registered nurse, I know the importance of health education and awareness. I love to educate others, research topics on health, and incorporate wellness ideas and activities in the workplace.
Raema, thank you for sharing your story and your passion with us. I look forward to a continued partnership to promote health education and awareness at WashU.
Become a Champion! If you’d like to learn more about the Wellness Connection Champion network and how to foster a culture of health and well-being in your department, check out our website: hr.wustl.edu/wellness-connection/champions/.