Helping your workforce to stay fit and healthy

Physical activity and exercise have been proven to help prevent lifestyle-related diseases such as diabetes, obesity, heart disease and hypertension. 

Companies who have incorporated wellness program in their workplaces can attest to the truth that as they help their workers stay fit, they reap the cost savings, cut absenteeism and boost productivity. 

Workplace wellness programs can be as varied as possible. 

The key is to offer opportunities and incentives for employees to lead healthy lifestyles: eat healthy food, quit smoking and be physically active. 

Exercise and physical activity are integral in the prevention and treatment of lifestyle-related diseases. 

Most employees would like to eat better, exercise regularly and achieve a normal weight, but simply telling people to adopt a healthy lifestyle isn't helpful. 

Here are some tips to companies that have not yet tried incorporating health and wellness activities in your company:

1. Get the support and involvement of company leaders.  If employees will see that the management is supportive of the program, their likelihood to participate in the program is huge.

2. Create a taskforce or ad-hoc committee that will plan special events, promote employee participation and spread the news about health and wellness program.
3. Routine physical check-ups among employees will increase employees' awareness of their condition and inspire them to do something about their lifestyle.  However, be sure that they are aware of the results.

4. Monthly wellness lectures can educate employees on eating healthy, increasing physical activities, managing time and stress, and alcohol and smoking cessation.

5. Organize weight loss competitions, focusing more on lifestyle changes than cash incentives.  This gives employees the motivation to participate and value the program.

6. Company wellness events like sports fest, fun run, or mini-Olympics, can be done quarterly or bi-annual.  Events like these will help create an environment that encourages regular physical activity.

7. A health club will encourage more employees to participate because it is accessible.

8. Make available information packages such as brochures and posters on food and nutrition to employees.  You may also want to publish a company cookbook to which employees can contribute their favorite healthy recipes.

9. Provide incentives for achieving goals such as healthy behaviors and weight. This can be by way of extra time for walking, discounts on health care premiums or even days off from work.

10. If funding support is not a problem, corporate health club memberships offered by fitness centers where discounted rates may be given to a number of employees.

Remember, creating this healthy environment does not have to involve significant or expensive changes. 

For more information on food and nutrition, contact Dr. Mario V. Capanzana, Director, Food and Nutrition Research Institute, Department of Science and Technology, General Santos Avenue, Bicutan, Taguig City; Telephone/Fax Nos.: 837-2934 or 837-3164; Direct Line: 839-1839; DOST Trunk Line: 837-2071 to 82 local 2296 or 2284; e-mail: mvc@fnri.dost.gov.ph or at mar_v_c@yahoo.com; FNRI-DOST website: http://www.fnri.dost.gov.ph. (FNRI-DOST S & T Media Service: Press Release – DIVORAH V. AGUILA)