Wellness Watch July 2009
Posted: July 1st, 2009 | Author: lvacovec | Filed under: Wellness Watch Blog | No Comments »Summer Wellness
Wellness programming has a seasonal rhythm to it. In January the focus is on quitting smoking and starting an exercise program. Spring is a good time to encourage weight loss as the summer beach season approaches and the fall is a time to encourage employees to get back to a healthy routine after the summer vacation time. What to do in the summer? In July and August, with vacations and sometimes shorter workweeks, participation can drop in on-site health promotion events. However, wellness program continuity is important. Here are some suggestions for simple activities to keep wellness awareness alive during the summer heat wave.
Information Tables — Once a month set up a table in the cafeteria or other high traffic area. They require no pre-registration and are accessible to all employees. Ask your EAP to come in and provide information on parenting, elder care, finance or any other topic of interest to your population. Check with your food service vendor and see if their staff RD can provide a table on barbeque safety and summer healthy food. Ask a local health club or other local wellness service provider to come in with information in exchange for exposure to your employees. Add a raffle to each table to encourage employees to stop by.
Food Service Events — Speaking of your food service….ask them to think healthy if they are going to do a summer barbeque event. Along with the usual fare at these events, suggest that they add a few healthy alternatives to the usual burgers and hot dogs.
Company Picnic — Although the economy is dictating cut-backs and conserving, holding an outdoor company event can still be a good idea. It doesn’t have to be over the top. Piggy-back with your food service vendor (see above) and schedule some fitness events and games. Organize a company walk, set up fitness challenges, and if there is some money to spend, bring in a portable climbing wall or some other outdoor equipment that will generate fun and physical activity. Fostering a positive culture in a down economy is important.
Farmer’s Market — Host a fresh produce event by inviting local fruit and vegetable growers to sell their produce in your parking lot. Check out some local markets in your area at http://www.localharvest.org/organic-farms/.
Charity Events — There are many charity walks and runs that take place in the summer and fall. Select a charity and prepare a team of employees to take part in the event. Hire a personal fitness trainer to come onsite and offer instruction in how to walk or run a 5K. The Walking Site http://www.thewalkingsite.com/events.html has a list of many of the events that take place.
Summer is also a good time to plan events for the fall and winter and to start looking to see where you want your wellness program to go in 2010. Schedule appointments with your EAP and health care provider and start the process.
One final note — Taking vacations in the summer or other times of the year is important to recharge and relax. Encourage employees (and yourself!) to disconnect from work by not checking work email and work messages. Put on the away message physically and mentally!
Move 2009 Activity Challenge is a Success!
Encouraging employees to meet the ACSM’s recommendation for 150 minutes a week of moderate physical activity was the goal of FWAW’s Move 2009 Challenge offered in May and June. Employees formed teams of four and collectively they had to accumulate 2009 minutes of activity over a four week period. They could walk, run, cycle, take fitness classes, all of which counted toward their 2009 minutes. Over 500 employees who formed 125 teams in 12 FWAW client companies took part. The result: every single team reached their 2009 minute goal. Team members received Move 2009 t-shirts for the accomplishment and are ready to join Move 2010 next year.