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Assessing wellness programs at
the worksite.
The HHW program is a multiphase project.
Phase one (Spring 2000) was the Heart
Check Survey. Heart Check is a comprehensive review
of wellness programs in place at a worksite. The survey
was completed through face-to-face interviews with 47
organizations across Tompkins County. Questions covered
worksite programs and policies that demonstrated the
organization's interest or commitment to employee health
and wellness.
Click
here for a full overview of Heart Check questions.
Click here
for a more complete discussion of the survey and Tompkins
County results.
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Introducing wellness programs
to the worksite.
Phase two of the HHW program is
to develop wellness programs at 10 Tompkins County worksites.
Each stage 2 worksite completed the Heart Check interview
(stage 1). Stage 2 participants were selected by the
NYSDOH based on Heart Check scores for "need"
and "readiness". After a trial period, wellness
programs will be evaluated for their effectiveness in
helping employees modify lifestyle behaviors, specifically
those considered to increase the individual’s risk for
developing cardiovascular and other chronic diseases.
The foundation of the HHW program is
environmental
change. Individuals seeking to change settled
behaviors face a daunting task. Seeking behavioral change
in a non-supportive environment is almost counterproductive
since the individual who tries and fails may be reluctant
to try again. And one who may be contemplating a change
cannot develop a vision or plan for change, and so may
drop the idea altogether.
By changing the worksite environment
employees are exposed to lifestyle
choices, for example in what they eat, or how they
use some free time. When organizational leaders embrace
and model behavioral change by making new choices, the
workplace culture can evolve into one which both supports
and encourages healthier lifestyles. In turn, this
can encourage additional environmental supports.
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- Background basics and other
good information
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