Linda C. Wolfe State Wellness Director New York State Department of Health Corning Tower, room 2262 Albany, NY (518) Health and Wellness for Transportation Professionals

WellNYS Everyday Experience Physical Activity: What’s your excuse? Smoking: Are you ready to clear the air. Diabetes: Should you be worried about it? Stress: Are you ready for a break? Weight: Are you moving more and eating less? Strength and Flexibility: Are you using it or losing it? Nutrition: How large are your portions? Work, Life, Family: Is it out of balance?

The Wellness bus with you as the driver

10 Rules 1. You’re the driver of your bus. 2. Desire, vision, and focus move your bus in the right direction. 3. Fuel your ride with positive energy. 4. Invite people on your bus and share your vision for the road ahead. 5. Don’t waste your energy on those who don’t get on your bus. 6. Post a sign that says No Energy Vampires allowed on your bus. 7. Enthusiasm attracts more passengers and energizes them during the ride. 8. Love your passengers 9. Drive with purpose. 10. Have fun and enjoy the ride.

Why Worksite Wellness Decrease in health care costs. Decrease in worker’s compensation. Decrease in sick days. Increase in productivity. Increase in employee morale.

Steps for setting up worksite wellness program 1. Identify an inside advocate to act as coordinator. 2. Secure support from top management. 3. Form a wellness committee. 4. Formal survey of employees needs or interests. 5. Get goals and objective for your program. 6. Evaluate your results. Source:

Ideas to move worksite wellness into your business. Making your worksite/bus/work location smoke free. Promote physical activity through national programs. Example: America on the Move, AHA National Start! Walking day. Promoting fruits and veggies consumption. Example: More Matters Provide a tip everyday; Example: WellNYS Everyday. Make your environment healthier. Participate in a not-for-profit walk as a goal for the organization.

New York State Department of Health - - May 2008