Wellness Program Ideas - Volume Two.

Walking Club

Walking clubs or “trekking” can either be done in real time (by scheduling walking groups), or clubs may be set it up so people  do their walking on their own and keep a shared log at work.

After a certain number of miles or steps are logged, workers are eligible for membership into the walking “club” and receive something like a prize (a walking pin, similar to the ones that volkswalkers get, or a certificate of membership).

Ways to continue interest in walking groups include -

• Periodic announcements about community walking events. Keep abreast of events in the community, Parks and Recreation programs, available tracks, inside walking choices, volkswalking events, etc.

• Periodic information specific to walkers; such as what to look for when buying a pair of walking shoes.

• Consider a workplace team to participate in a local fundraiser walk, like the March of Dimes walk.

• A walking club can be the kind of “club” that never really meets, or it can be the kind that does provide the option for those who are interested in group walks and events.

Health Awareness Video Programming

Many good health related videos and DVDs are available through loan programs either at no or low costs. Select video programming based on employee interests and needs.

• Schedule periodic health video viewings during lunchtime brown bag sessions.

• the videos may be related to health or other related wellness topics like financial planning, caring for aging parents, or even humor as a “break” from the work routine.

• Be sure to preview videos before showing them to insure they are appropriate, not too long, etc.

• Have a Wellness Committee Host moderate the viewing, greet individuals , and lead a brief discussion after the video. Develop one or two questions for discussion after previewing the video and use these to lead the discussion. Many health videos come with group discussion questions.

• Attempt to supply a pertinent educational  flyer for participants to take with them for more information on the topic.

• If possible, provide popcorn or fruit as a snack.

• Offer a prize drawing (or points if you’re doing that kind of incentive program) for those attending the video program and discussion.

Wellness Mentors

Every workplace generally has at least a couple of staff members who have successfully made changes in their health. Often, other staff members will relate to one of their peers. Colleague support can go a long ways in encouraging healthy changes.

• Seek volunteers from the work force who have experienced a illness resulting from an unhealthy behavior, or survived or recovered from a illness that just happens like breast cancer, and who have successfully made positive changes.

• Connect these success story workers with workers struggling with similar health issues.

• Both staff members participating in the mentoring process are doing so on a voluntary basis. Respect the privacy of this very special relationship.

• A Wellness Committee person may be involved from a peripheral standpoint, and be available to share other resources that may  be valuable to both workers.