What Are the Different Types of Wellness Programs?

Wellness incorporates all aspects of health, including the physical, mental, spiritual and environmental. Wellness programs are those that work to positively influence these areas of a person's life to improve overall health and well-being. The term "wellness program" is most often associated with corporations and work-sites however wellness programs may also be offered through community organizations such as schools, Cooperative Extension Offices or public health departments.

Weight Loss and Nutrition

Physical health and a reduced risk of chronic disease are related to maintaining a healthy weight and eating nutritious foods. Therefore, many wellness programs focus on these components. Biggest loser competitions in work places or within the community encourage participants to lose weight through group support and rewards. Typically, these programs meet weekly and host a weigh-in. At the end of an 8- or 12-week program the person losing the highest percentage of his body weight wins. Lunch and Learn classes, such as those offered by the Ohio State University Employee Wellness Program, educate participants about proper nutrition and health through seminars offered during convenient times of the day.

Physical Activity

Wellness programs focusing on physical activity exist for the same reason as those that deal with weight loss and nutrition---to reduce the risk of chronic disease. There are two different types of physical activity programs that fall in this category. The first are exercise tracking programs and competitions, such as Get Moving Kentucky offered by the University of Kentucky Cooperative Extension Service. These programs encourage participants to keep track of their exercise and compete with other teams to meet daily exercise recommendations. The second type is the availability of fitness facilities or the offering of exercise classes. A business may provide a fitness facility on-site for its employees or work with area fitness centers to provide discounts on memberships. In addition, group exercise classes or walking and running groups held before work, at lunch or after work also fall into this category. All of these types of programs help to promote physical activity and health among employees and members of the community.

Smoking Cessation

According to the American Heart Association, 46 million Americans smoke cigarettes. Because of smoking's influence on so many people and because it is linked to many conditions and diseases, such as high blood pressure and lung cancer, smoking cessation programs are one of the most common wellness programs made available. Many employee wellness initiatives include a smoking cessation program because it can lead to lower health care costs for the corporation. Many businesses and community groups adopt already available resources to host smoking cessation programs, such as Freedom From Smoking from the American Lung Association. These programs typically involve setting a quit date and enlisting the support of friends and family. Classes that involve analyzing past failures, setting new goals and identifying the importance of quitting are often offered.

Work-Life Balance

One of the most influential factors in productivity at the workplace is the ability for a person to maintain a work-life balance. Stresses from one or the other can affect a person's performance as both an employee and as a mother, father, wife or husband. Work-life balance programs can consist of seminars or actual services to employees. For example, guidance for seeking child care, elder care, time management and controlling stress are all topics that fall under this category. In addition, employers may offer financial assistance for care or flexibility in work schedules.

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