Public Health - Wellness/Classes

For Employers ...

Healthy Employees=Benefits For Employers

1. Enhanced employee productivity
2. Improved health care costs management
3. Decreased rates of illness and injuries
4. Reduced employee absenteeism and sick-days

How to encourage health and wellness among your employees (just a few ideas…):

1. Collaborate with local fitness centers and health facilities to offer corporate memberships and discounts to your employees.
2. Consider workplace policies that allow employees flex-time to include wellness and activities in their work-week.
3. Provide incentives to employees for staying on track to improved health choices and behaviors. Offer some kind of reward for quitting smoking, including physical activity, making nutrition a priority, and taking steps towards prevention and health improvement.
4. Consider forming a company team and joining a recreational sports league.
5. Make healthy food available at the workplace. Stock the vending machines and lounge areas with nutritious choices.
6. Offer health foods and beverages at meetings, conferences, and events.
7. Consider hiring a corporate wellness program consultant.

Studies, News, and More Information:

1. Poor Employee Health Costlier Than Employers Think
2. Wellness Programs Help Companies Save on Health Costs

Health Benefits For Employees

1. “Reduce levels of stress
2. Increase well-being, self-image and self-esteem
3. Improve physical fitness
4. Healthy weight management
5. Lower risks of diseases and health conditions such as heart disease, diabetes, osteoporosis, and certain types of cancer.

According to survey data, major topics of concern for Teton County: nutrition, physical activity, weight management, tobacco, preventative health, stress management, and sun safety.

According to a 2006 survey of Teton County employees:

1. 87% don’t get adequate exercise, 92% eat less than 5 servings/day of high-fiber foods, 92% eat less than 5 servings/day of fruits and vegetables, 95% consume half or more high-fat foods
2. Based on participant responses, the 5 most prevalent modifiable risk factors for Teton County are listed below:
   1. Dangerous Sun Exposure
   2. Inadequate Exercise
   3. High Weight/BMI
   4. High Blood Pressure
   5. High Total Cholesterol