What's the
bottom line to a healthier lifestyle?
The major causes of premature death and
disability among workers are heart disease, cancer,
strokes and injuries. The federal Centers for Disease
Control and Prevention (CDC) estimate that physical
inactivity contributes to up to 23 percent of all deaths
from major chronic diseases. Only one in five New York
adults engages in the regular and sustained physical
activity that is needed to reduce the risk of heart
disease, high blood pressure and other health problems
which lead to premature death or disability, according
to a recent joint CDC and New York State Health Department
survey.
When employees choose a sedentary lifestyle,
they affect their company's bottom line. The costs of
sedentary lifestyles include higher health care costs,
more absenteeism and less productivity. Another recent
CDC study found that people who are inactive incurred
annual direct medical costs that are $330 more than
the costs for those who are physically active.
The New York State Health Department's
MOVE FOR LIFE! program recognizes that employee
well-being is a must for good business. With just 30
minutes of moderate activity on five or more days a
week, individuals can begin to enjoy the benefits of
a healthy lifestyle. People don't have to jog or go
to a gym to be more active. Simple, everyday activities
such as walking, doing yard work and climbing the stairs
contribute to a physically active lifestyle. Move
for Life! is for everyone. Simple modifications
to the program will enable employees with physical disabilities
to fully participate in Move for Life!
How MOVE FOR
LIFE! can help
MOVE FOR LIFE! is invaluable to
anyone who is responsible for employee health programs;
anyone who wants to persuade his or her employer or
union that promotion of healthy lifestyles is worthwhile;
and anyone who wants to improve or enhance an existing
employee wellness program. Move for Life! is
an 8- to 10-week program designed to help employees
of all physical abilities, regardless of age, current
fitness level or activity level. One of the keys of
Move for Life! is its flexibility. It can be
made longer or shorter and scheduled to fit the company's
schedule. Move for Life! recognizes that all
employees are not at the same level of fitness, nor
do they have the same interest in being active. Move
for Life! allows participants to set their own personal
goals, ranging from moderate activities, like walking
or doing yard work, to more intense ones, like running
and swimming. Then they record their daily activities
and begin tracking their progress. Everyone can be successful
with MOVE FOR LIFE!
Benefits to
the company
With the MOVE FOR LIFE! employee
wellness program, you will contribute to the overall
health and well-being of your employees, their families
and the community, and better contain your company's
health care costs, while protecting your greatest asset
your employees. In recent years, much research
has been conducted to assess the promotion of healthy
lifestyles in the workplace and its benefits to the
company. The benefits reported in these studies include:
- Reduced health care costs
- Reduced illness and injuries
- Reduced absenteeism
- Enhanced recruitment and retention of healthy
employees
- Improved employee relations and morale
Benefits to
employees
In 1996, the U.S. Surgeon General's
Report on Physical Activity and Health stated that
a sedentary lifestyle is a dangerous risk factor for
disease. The good news is that even moderate levels
of physical activity for people of all physical abilities
will significantly reduce the risk of such chronic health
problems as heart disease, diabetes, and some cancers.
Among other benefits to individuals are:
- Weight reduction
- Reduced tension and feelings of stress
- Improved well-being
- Enhanced self-image and self-esteem
- Improved physical function
What you can
do
For your FREE copy of MOVE FOR LIFE!,
just send your request to our e-mail address at mfl@health.state.ny.us.
Or, call the New York State Health Department at (518)
474-5370. You will receive an easy-to-follow guide and
resource materials to encourage physical activity at
your worksite. The sooner you do, the sooner you can
start improving your employees' health, morale, fitness
and safety. Healthier lifestyles in the workplace mean
good health for your employees...and you. And that's
good business!
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