How to start a worksite wellness program Evelyn Escalera & Brandi Muro

Lifestyle Behaviors Associated with Health How many of you….. Eat Breakfast? Every day? Eat at least 3 ½ cups of fruits and vegetables each day? Choose whole grains over refined? Participate in at least 30 minutes of physical activity everyday. Get at least 7 hours of sleep? Self monitor your food intake? Spend less than 3 hours of sedentary activity at one time? (computer, TV, reading, etc.)

Why promote our employee’s health? California has had one of the fastest rates of increase in obesity among working-age adults. 62% of adults are overweight or obese In 2005, obesity and overweight cost California over $28 billion in direct and indirect medical costs, workers’ compensation, and lost productivity. The majority of these costs are being shouldered by employers in the form of lost productivity and increased insurance premiums.

How a Worksite Wellness program can help? Promote healthy lifestyles to employees Decrease medical costs and other health related costs Increase productivity Increase employee morale and job satisfaction

Physical activity… is associated with lower mortality rates in younger and older adults. protects against cancer. decreases risk of heart disease and diabetes. prevents or delays high blood pressure. improves mood and reduces stress. controls weight. maintains bone mass.

Percent of adults meeting the physical activity guidelines

Benefits of eating more fruits and veggies GREEN A lower risk of some cancers Vision health Strong bones and teeth White Heart health Cholesterol levels that are already healthy A lower risk of some cancers

YELLOW/ORANGE Heart health Vision health A healthy immune system A lower risk of some cancers RED Heart health Memory function A lower risk of some cancers Urinary tract health BLUE/PURPLE A lower risk of some cancers Urinary tract health Memory function Healthy aging

How many cups per day for health? Women AgeVegFruit ½ ½1 ½ ½ Men AgeVegFruit ½2

Be Active! Worksite Program Public Health initiative to empower low income working adults to eat more fruits and vegetables and be physically active everyday. Reduce the risk of chronic diseases like type 2 diabetes, cancer and obesity and overweight.

Promising Strategies Improve access to healthy foods and physical activity at the workplace. Foster supportive work environments that encourage healthy lifestyle choices. Establish public policies that increase health promotion efforts at worksites.

Tools California Fit Business Kit Healthy meeting policies Vending machine standards Direct ordering Farm Fresh Produce A guide to establishing a Worksite Farmers’ Market A guide to improving Worksite Stairwells A guide to creating Worksite Walking clubs Take Action!

The Active for Life Program American Cancer Society Ten-week worksite physical activity program

You can get there! Being active can improve your day-to-day sense of well-being. Being active can improve your overall health. You can get all of the health benefits doing 30 minutes of moderate activity on most days of the week

Active for Life is here to help Get you started Keep you motivated Keep you moving in the right direction Provide you with information Take it to the next level

Active for Life will work for you! * Set a goal. * Be active. * Keep track of your points. * Attend the workshops. * Win a prize

Costs to employer NO $ Cost Time (to plan, implement, evaluate program) Space (for activities if required) Commitment to good health by employer and employees.

Just for fun

More laughs

For more information Visit the sharing tables of Be Active! and Active for Life Sign up if interested Thank you! Evelyn Escalera & Brandi Muro