Getting started can seem overwhelming and concerns about the costs can stop a program before it even begins. According to McDaniel the process does not have to be difficult. “Starting a wellness program doesn’t have to involve installing a fitness center and hiring a full-time wellness coach. Even the smallest of companies can start a program.” The first step is to assess the needs of your company. “You can poll your employees to gauge their interest level,” McDaniel adds. “Send out a survey listing every element that you are willing to implement and have them rank their importance.” Once you know what your employees are most interested in, you can design your program. “It can be as simple as instituting a no smoking policy or a walking program,” says McDaniel. “Even offering yearly health screenings or providing healthy dining options are a good start.” Where fitness and nutrition are concerned, offering a pedometer challenge, a safe place to store bikes, or encouraging employees to take the stairs are easy ways to get your staff more active. Once your program is designed it’s important to secure employee buy-in. “Managers need to be good examples,” McDaniel says. “If your employees see their supervisors and company leadership making wellness a priority in
their own lives then they will be more likely to take their own health more seriously.” Prizes and rewards are another way to increase employee buy-in. Gift cards, an extended lunch break or special recognitions are easy ways to get staff more involved. Once your program has been in place for a while it’s important to evaluate it. “One of the easiest ways to see what impact your program is having is to compare your absenteeism rates to the past,” adds McDaniel. “You can also look at your productivity rates since your program has been implemented.” Finally, McDaniel says the best way to judge effectiveness is to ask your employees. “Corporate wellness programs should change with the times. Conduct regular surveys on morale and check in staff members to see what’s important to them when it comes to the wellness program.”
For more information on the corporate wellness programs offered by CHRITUS St. Patrick Hospital, call (337) 491-7555 or visit www.christusstpatrick.org.
HOW STRONG ARE YOUR BONES?
It’s a question everyone should be concerned about as they get older. Millions of Americans--52 million to be exact--have low bone density or osteoporosis. In fact, about one in two women and up to one in four men over the age of 50 will break a bone due to osteoporosis. You’re never too young or too old to improve the health of your bones. Join local Bone Health Expert, Staci Boudreaux, PA-C, CCD, for an in-depth discussion on the Top 10 Myths Associated With Osteoporosis. This free community seminar will help participants initiate a long-term plan to protect delicate bones and prevent future bone loss and breaks.
Tuesday, December 17, 5:30pm
Center for Orthopaedics • 1747 Imperial Blvd., Lake Charles Seating is limited and pre-registration is requested. Refreshments will be served.
Call 721-2903 or register online at www.centerforortho.com • December 2013
Thrive Magazine for Better Living
Information about our Osteoporosis Support Group will be provided.
www.thriveswla.com
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