Designing a Health Promotion Program.

Five reasons to have a health promotion program

1   The U.S. spends more dollars on healthcare than any other nation yet we aren’t the world’s healthiest

o  Largely sedentary   

o  Use of tobacco is still popular   

o  Stress is at epidemic levels (WHO)   

o  Alcohol continues to take its toll on American Citizens   

2   Much of the illness in the USA is preventable

o  Tobacco and alcohol are leading causes of death   

o  As much as 70% of the cost of health care is driven by preventable illness   

3   Healthcare costs continue to rise

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

o  Healthcare cost are normally the number one benefit cost to most corporations    

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

o  Most Americans work   

o  Poor health habits take a toll on American business   

o  Businesss have a vested interest in health related issues.   

5   Research validates that health promotion programs can improve health, save money, and even produce a Return On Investment.

o  Aldana,S.G. (1998). Financial impact of corporate wellness and methodological quality of the evidence.  The Art of Wellness. Vol 2, Number 1.   

o  Wilson, M.G. (1996). A extensive review of the effects of company wellness on health related outcomes –  an update.  The American Journal of wellness. Vol 10, Number 6.   

o  Wilson, M.G. (1996). A comprehensive review of the effects of employee wellness on health related outcomes –  an update.  The American Journal of wellness. Vol 11, Number 2.   

o  Chapman, L.S. Proof Positive –  an analysis of the cost-effectiveness of corporate wellness. 3rd ed. Seattle –  Summex Business, 1996.   

o  Pelletier, K.R. A review of the health and cost-effective outcomes studies of extensive wellness and disease prevention programs at the workplace –  1993-1995 Update.  The American Journal of Health and Promotion. Vol. 10, Number 5.   

Key Components of a Health Promotion Program

Physical Health Promotion – Focuses on the development, maintenance, or improvement of one’s physical fitness

Sample Physical Health Promotion Programs / Workshops

o  Annual health screening

o  Regular exercise

o  Good safety habits

Emotional Health Promotion – Focuses on all aspects of mental fitness

Sample Emotional Health Promotion Programs / Workshops

o  Stress management workshops

o  Dealing with aging

o  Addictive behaviors

o  Parenting

Financial Wellness – Focuses on improving the quality of life of staff by assisting families and person in becoming financially stable

Sample Financial Health Promotion Programs / Seminars

o  Financial management

o  Savings and Investing

o  Credit and Purchasing

o  Insurance and Estate Planning

Spiritual Wellness – Focuses on promoting a healthful inner self

Sample Spiritual Wellness Programs / Seminars

o  Be sure to encourage daily devotional readings

o  Give regular service opportunities

o  Provide a daily/weekly/monthly chapel (meditation) time during work hours

Nutritional Wellness – Will meet the needs of the staff through group and individual nutritional services

Sample Nutritional Health Promotion Programs / Workshops

o  Individual nutritional Assessment

o  Individual and group counseling

o  Educational classes

o  Weight loss health promotion programs