Workplace Wellness
Your health is important wherever you go or live. Today many people are spending most of their day sitting at a desk or inside an office. Employers are beginning to recognize the importance of implementing health programs inside the workplace and see this as a vital component of a healthy lifestyle. Across the United States, many workplaces encourage work site wellness programs. These programs may be a health promotion activity or organization-wide policy designed to support healthy behaviors and improve health outcomes while at work. These programs consist of a variety of activities ranging from health education and coaching, weight management programs, medical screenings, on-site fitness programs, informal walks during lunch breaks, and more.
In New Hampshire (NH), the Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS), Division of Public Health Services (DPHS) celebrated Go Red For Women and National Heart Month this February by sharing information on heart disease and the importance of living a healthy lifestyle. In NH heart disease is the second leading cause of death, and in 2014 there were 1,445 deaths due to coronary heart disease. As public health professionals, we are aware more than most occupations of the health risk factors people face. However, life and the great many stressors that come along with it (work, family, finances, car trouble, etc.) may distract anybody from maintaining a healthy lifestyle. In order to increase awareness about heart disease and the importance of maintaining a safe and healthy lifestyle, the DPHS Heart Disease & Stroke Prevention (HDSP) Program coordinated a variety of activities this February. DPHS employees were provided with heart health information by materials in the DPHS lobby on heart disease and risk factor information (tobacco, diabetes, high blood pressure, high cholesterol, and sodium reduction). DPHS also collaborated with the DHHS Wellness Coordinator to share heart health emails with the DHHS staff that included, “good to know” information. Also in February, the HDSP Program coordinated a presentation for the DPHS staff meeting to increase awareness about heart disease. The agenda included information on the importance of participating in CPR/AED (cardiopulmonary resuscitation/automated external defibrillator) training, NH AED laws, Heart Safe Communities in NH, and the First Aid Stabilization Team (FAST) at 29 Hazen Drive. Featured guest speakers included Rick Hill, the DHHS Training Coordinator, and William “Bill” Wood, Coordinator, Preparedness and Special Projects, NH Department of Safety, Bureau of Emergency Medical Services. In addition to the above heart month activities, DPHS in collaboration with the Division of Environmental Services (DES) held a blood drive on their campus.
Way to go, DHHS! We hope you continue to help guide NH’s workforce in leading healthier and safer lives!
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