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Working
Out At Work
(HealthScout)
-- Trimming the fat is nothing new in the business world these
days.
But if you're
an employer or manager, consider a different twist on that concept
by starting workplace programs that motivate employees to exercise
and adopt healthy lifestyles. That can ring up healthier profits
through reduced absenteeism, lower health benefit costs, and higher
productivity, say the organizers of National Employee Health and
Fitness (NEHF) Day, set for May 16.
"Having a
healthy workforce improves the bottom line for any workplace,"
says Chris Kimber, board president of the National Association
for Health and Fitness, a not-for-profit organization that sponsors
NEHF Day.
"It's a good
investment in time and resources. It's really a very good return
on investment," says Kimber, who is physical activities promotion
coordinator at the Minnesota Department of Health in St. Paul.
Launched nationally
in 1989, NEHF Day is meant to encourage companies to implement
workplace wellness programs and spark employee interest. The day
includes fun, non-competitive activities and events like organized
walks, fitness demonstrations and health fairs.
Thousands
of companies participate each year and many companies partner
with other businesses and community organizations to plan their
events.
But Kimber
says more companies need to recognize the payback of initiating
worksite wellness programs.
"All someone
has to do is read a few of the articles about the reduced workers'
compensation claims at worksites that have greater employee physical
activity promotion and opportunities, and that pretty much speaks
for itself," Kimber says.
Many large
companies do have budgets for health and wellness programs, and
others are starting to realize the importance of making that part
of their workplace, says Sara Utley, operations manager for the
National Association for Health and Fitness.
The association
has other programs, including the eight-week Let's Get Physical
(LGP) Challenge. It's a free, educational and interactive program
that encourages participants to engage in 30 minutes of moderate
physical activity at least three times a week.
Since the
inception of the LGP Challenge in 1997, more than 1,500 U.S. companies
have adopted it, and approximately 15,000 people have participated
in it.
"You don't
want to promote just one day, so we ended up making a program.
We want people to be more physically fit and more active in the
workplace. Because at work, there are a lot of people like myself,
who just sit in an office for eight hours. We want you to get
out and do something during that time," Utley says.
Doing something
could be as simple as going for a walk or stretching on your break
or lunchtime.
"Get away
from your desk and do something," Utley urges.
She suggests
other easy ways to incorporate more activity at work. Always take
the stairs instead of the elevator, or park your car farther away
from the building.
In short,
do whatever you can to get a workout at your workplace.
What To
Do
Here's where
to go if you'd like more information about
NEFH Day activities and resources. Or contact them at 317-237-5630.
For more about the National Association for Health and Fitness
and its programs, click
here.
Whether you
do it at work or not, exercise is important for your health. The
1996 U.S. Surgeon General's Report on Physical Activity and Health
says at least 30 minutes day most days of the week of regular,
moderate physical activity can substantially cut the risk of developing
chronic illnesses, reduce symptoms of depression and anxiety,
improve mood and enhance a person's ability to perform daily tasks.
But, the report
notes, more than 60 percent of American adults don't reach the
recommended amounts of physical activity, and 25 percent are not
active at all.
Reference
Source 101
For more information on how to prevent other diseases, use
PreventDisease.com's "Quick
Prevention Resources".
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