SEMINOLE COUNTY HEALTH DEPARTMENT on Orlando Medical News

SEMINOLE COUNTY HEALTH DEPARTMENT

Seminole County Health Department Sets Example for Employee Wellness

Following Seminole County Health Department's vision of building a healthier future for our community, the department is striving to be a leader in the enhancement of worksite wellness programs. The health department is developing easily adaptable wellness programs and activities that could be incorporated into any worksite. Programs are first tested at the SCHD to evaluate relative effectiveness before being recommended to area businesses.

Approximately 40 percent of all deaths in the U.S. are due to unhealthy lifestyle choices such as tobacco use, poor diet, sedentary lifestyle, misuse of alcohol and drugs, and accidents. Research also indicates that there is a direct relationship between modifiable lifestyle risks and lower work productivity. Research shows that the work environment can and does influence individual health. This influence can have a positive impact for the employee and employer.

In 2006 an SCHD employee satisfaction survey revealed that employees were interested in a wellness program. From the results of the survey, the Health Education Department developed a wellness committee team to promote the health and well being of the staff and to improve the quality of employees work experience.

Of several initiatives that have been utilized, some of the most popular programs have been:

Employee Fresh Fruit Market – Fruit stands are stocked on a weekly basis with fresh fruit, vegetables and healthier snack options for employees.
Vacation at your desk-Fruit Kabob Promotion – Fresh fruit kabobs, smoothies and snack samples were prepared by and distributed to staff as a way to promote fruit consumption and promote our Employee Fresh Fruit Market. Quitline (tobacco cessation) aprons were worn during these events.
Biggest Loser Challenge – A 12 week competitive weight loss program. Participants are encouraged to record their initial weight and BMI and then report changes in weight on a weekly basis. Participants receive weekly e-mails with support and wellness tips, a monthly health newsletter, and incentive items.
Walk to Lose Program – A 12 week pedometer loan program. Participants were encouraged to take 10,000 steps each day. The program raised awareness about individual activity level and provided a loaned pedometer, tracking sheets, physical activity resources, monthly wellness newsletter, weekly e-mails with ideas and challenges, contests and incentives. Before the program started 46 percent of participants stated that they did not exercise at all. After the program, 96 percent of the participants said they have increased their weekly activity level. Fifty-two percent lost one to five pounds and 36 percent lost between six to 10 pounds.
Love Yourself, Take Care of Your Health, Employee Health Fair – A health education event, where employees visited information booths sponsored by local health, beauty and physical activity service providers. Employees also were able to enroll in a variety of mini-health sessions which included a workout, spa session and heart-healthy sessions.
Fitness Club - Meeting rooms were reserved before and after work hours and during lunch for staff to do workout videos and yoga. A fitness calendar was also established on a common drive for staff to view all the workout sessions, location and times.

Based on the 2008 employee satisfaction survey, 88 percent of employees felt the SCHD supported them in their efforts to engage in healthy lifestyle behaviors. That was up from 67 percent in the 2006 survey.

The employee fresh fruit market has been recognized by Department of Health as a best practice. Gloria Rivadeneyra, program developer said, "Its one of the easiest programs to incorporate and the most utilized."

Based on these initiatives, Rivadeneyra gives presentations at community businesses and churches to establish similar work groups. Program information is also available by calling 407-665-3384.

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Seminole County Health Department Sets Example for Employee Wellness

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