Health Promotion Program Ideas – Volume Two.
Walking Club
Walking clubs or “trekking” can either be done in real time (by scheduling walking groups), or clubs can be set it up so individuals do their walking on their own and keep a shared log at work.
After a certain number of miles or steps are logged, staff 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 -
o Periodic announcements about community walking events. Keep abreast of events in the community, Parks and Recreation wellness programs, available tracks, inside walking options, volkswalking events, etc.
o Periodic information specific to walkers; like what to look for when buying a pair of walking footwear.
o Consider a worksite team to take part in a local fundraiser walk, such as the March of Dimes walk.
o A walking club could be the kind of “club” that never really meets, or it could be the kind that does provide the option for those who are interested in group walks and events.
Health Awareness Video Programming
A lot of good health related videos and DVDs are available through loan programs either at no or low costs. Choose video programming based on worker interests and needs.
o Schedule periodic health video viewings at lunch brown bag sessions.
o The videos can 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.
o Make sure to preview videos before showing them to insure they are appropriate, not too long, etc.
o Have a Health Promotion Committee Host moderate the viewing, greet people , and lead a brief discussion after the video. Create 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.
o Attempt to supply a pertinent educational flyer for participants to take with them for additional information on the topic.
o When possible, provide popcorn or fruit as a snack.
o Provide a prize drawing (or points if you are doing that kind of incentive wellness program) for those attending the video program and discussion.
Health Promotion Mentors
Every worksite typically has at least a couple of staff who have successfully made changes in their health. Often, other staff will relate to one of their peers. Colleague support can go a long ways in stimulating healthy changes.
o Seek volunteers from the work force who’ve experienced a illness resulting from an unhealthy behavior, or survived or recovered from a illness that just happens like breast cancer, and who’ve successfully made positive changes.
o Connect these success story personnel with personnel struggling with similar health issues.
o Both workforce participating in the mentoring process are doing so on a voluntary basis. Respect the privacy of this very special relationship.
o A Wellness Committee individuals may be involved from a peripheral standpoint, and be available to share other resources that might be valuable to both workforce.