Posted by Employer Wellness | Posted in Employer Wellness | Posted on 22-08-2010
Five reasons to have a wellness program
1 The USA spends more dollars on health care than any other nation yet we aren’t the world’s healthiest
Largely sedentary
Use of tobacco is still popular
Stress is at epidemic levels (WHO)
Alcohol continues to take its toll on American Citizens
2 Much of the illness in the United States is preventable
Tobacco and alcohol are leading causes of death
as much as 70% of the cost of healthcare is driven by preventable illness
3 Health Care costs continue to rise
Healthcare premiums continue to rise and to be passed on to the employee
Health Care cost are normally the number one benefit cost to most employers
4 The worksite is an ideal establishing to address health and well being
Most Americans work
Poor health habits take a toll on American business
Companys have a vested interest in health related issues.
5 Research validates that wellness programs can improve health, save money, and even produce a ROI.
Aldana,S.G. (1998). Financial impact of corporate wellness and methodological quality of the evidence. the Art of Wellness. Vol 2, Number 1.
Wilson, M.G. (1996). A comprehensive review of the effects of corporate wellness on health related outcomes – an update. the American Journal of wellness. Vol 10, Number 6.
Wilson, M.G. (1996). A extensive review of the effects of corporate wellness on health related outcomes – an update. the American Journal of wellness. Vol 11, Number 2.
Chapman, L.S. Proof Positive – an analysis of the cost-effectiveness of corporate wellness. 3rd ed. Seattle – Summex Corporation, 1996.
Pelletier, K.R. A review of the health and cost-effective outcomes studies of extensive wellness and disease avoidance programs at the worksite – 1993-1995 Update. the American Journal of Health and Promotion. Vol. 10, Number 5.
Key Components of a Wellness Program
Physical Wellness – Focuses on the development, maintenance, or betterment of one’s fitness
Sample Physical Wellness Programs / Seminars
Annual biometric screening
Regular exercise
Good safety habits
Emotional Wellness – Focuses on all aspects of mental fitness
Sample Emotional Wellness Programs / Workshops
Stress management workshops
Dealing with aging
Addictive behaviors
Parenting
Financial Wellness – Focuses on improving the quality of life of workers by helping families and person in becoming financially stable
Sample Financial Wellness Programs / Seminars
Financial management
Savings and Investing
Credit and Purchasing
Insurance and Estate Planning
Spiritual Wellness – Focuses on promoting a healthy inner self
Sample Spiritual Wellness Programs / Seminars
Make certain to encourage daily devotional readings
Give regular service opportunities
Give a daily/weekly/monthly chapel (meditation) time during work hours
Nutritional Wellness – Will meet the needs of the staff members through group and individual nutritional services
Sample Nutritional Wellness Programs / Workshops
Individual nutritional Assessment
Individual and group counseling
Educational classes
Weight loss programs
