Designing a Wellness Program.

Five reasons to have a wellness program   

1   The United States spends more dollars on healthcare than any other nation yet we are not the world’s healthiest

• Largely sedentary   

• Smoking is still popular   

• Stress is at epidemic levels (WHO)   

• Alcohol continues to take its toll on Americans   

2   Much of the disease in the U.S. is preventable

• Tobacco and alcohol are leading causes of death   

• as much as 70 percent of the cost of health care is driven by preventable illness   

3   Healthcare costs continue to rise

• Healthcare premiums continue to rise and to be passed on to the employee   

• Health Care cost are typically the number one benefit cost to most companys    

4   The worksite is an ideal setting to address health and well being

• Most Americans work   

• Poor health habits take a toll on American business   

• Employers 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 comprehensive 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 Business, 1996.   

• Pelletier, K.R. A review of the health and cost-effective outcomes studies of comprehensive 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 testing

• 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 bettering the quality of life of staff members by helping families and person in becoming financially stable

Sample Financial Wellness Programs / Workshops

• 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 / Workshops

• Make sure to encourage daily devotional readings

• Provide 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