Archive for March, 2010

A listing of potential wellness topics and ideas not previously mentioned follows. Take some time to “think tank and brainstorm” new ideas with your own internal employee Health Promotion Committee.
Nutrition Category
• Low-fat campaign/food groups
• Team salad bars
• Vending machine changes
• Diet analysis by a nutritionist
• Produce on parade
• Eating disorder support group
• Restaurant education
Physical Activity/Exercise [...]

Other departments within an organization will likely focus on related areas of employee safety and injury prevention. Health Promotion activities are a natural partner to many other HR, employee motivation, and safety programs.
Body mechanics, ergonomics, and safe working practices are three areas which may  be coordinated together.
• Soft Tissue Sprains and Strains –  This [...]

Tying wellness activities into holiday themes is a strategy widely used to develop interest and participation. However, be aware that offering holiday activities in the workplace can develop issues.
Your workplace might have policies and guidelines already in place about issues like appropriate decorations themes, work time, etc. Make sure to check with management regarding [...]

National health observance campaigns can lighten workload and effort. A lot of of these well-developed observances have kits and materials which may either be downloaded for free or purchased inexpensively.
Monthly health themes, week Iong events, and nationally recognized days of the year are also good ways to have fun while participating in larger events. [...]

A lot of staff members enjoy team related activities. These activities ordinarily take place on an employee’s time away from work and participation is totally voluntary in nature.
Even though the sports team is not part of an employee’s regular work duties, if the team or activity is associated with the company, the company can [...]

Stress Management
A lot of simple wellness activities and practices can help workers understand the role stress plays in effecting health, safety, and productivity. It is necessary to help workers understand simple stress management strategies for reducing stress levels.
• Stress kit check out. Have stress management tools available for employee use during a scheduled break time. [...]

Tobacco use Cessation
Smoking cessation assistance is a worthwhile wellness activity. Smoking is often a difficult habit to overcome. Company health promotion activities to support “smoke-free” living include –
• Use American Lung Association resource. These include the Freedom From Use of tobacco group and/or video-tutorial. There is also a follow-up video “A Lifetime of Freedom [...]

Interest in increasing exercise ranks nearly as high as weight control in worker interest and need. Ideas for increasing worker awareness and participation in physical activities follow –
• Fitness classes in the worksite –  On-Site exercise could be much more convenient for staff members. However, on-site classes require logistical planning and coordination with attention [...]

: Health Promotion Program Ideas – Nutrition.

Staff Members generally enjoy sharing nutritional tips and attempting new foods. Sponsor a “nutrition cook-off” and/or healthful potlucks.
• Nutrition cook-off. Teams of workers set a menu in advance and bring in prepared foods for an official competition. A nutritionist from the health department or local hospital or community serves as the judge.
Dishes and foods [...]

Weight management is a major area of both worker interest and need. Body Mass Index  is the clinical measure that indicates whether individuals  are in a healthy weight range or are overweight or obese.    
The Body Mass Index is a measure of a person’s overall height to their overall weight. Height and weight are measured [...]