Wellness Programs – Focus on Nutrition Programs.

Advantages of Nutrition Programs

Nutrition directly impacts nearly every aspect of physical and mental health. A healthy diet can help protect against such conditions as heart illness, diabetes, arthritis, stroke, certain cancers and depression. Obesity, which is among the most common conditions linked to diet, affects a record number of American Citizens.

The American Journal of Wellness estimates the cost of obesity to USA  company to exceed $12.5 billion in healthcare, sick leave, and life and disability insurance.

Furthermore, one study reports that obesity raises health care costs by 36% and medication costs by 77%. to offset the health risks of obesity and poor diet, many businesses have committed to assisting workers ensure proper nutrition and undertake weight control programs.

Well-liked nutrition programs –  

• Give employees with educational materials or classes on proper nutrition provided by a registered dietitian.

• Offer on-site Weight Watchers meetings or other weight control programs.

• Provide nutritious and health conscience meal options in the cafeteria and vending machines.

• Clearly post nutrition information for all cafeteria and vending machine items.

• Offer low cost, healthful, take-home dinner options for employees and their families.

• Draw attention to healthy consuming habits by providing token incentives, such as pencils or ID holders, for achieving five fruits or vegetable servings a day for a week.

Nutrition programs in action

While many corporations address weight management through fitness initiatives, corporations are increasingly focusing on nutrition through separate programming. Recognizing the productivity increase and reduced medical expenditures that come with maintaining a healthful weight, many corporations may help pay for obesity treatments for employees.

For  instance, to improve the health of dangerously obese workers, drug maker Wyeth reportedly compensates for stomach-shrinking surgeries that carry price tags of up to $40,000.

A 2003 Society of Human Resource (HR) Management study shows that 24% of employers offer weight loss programs. In Ohio, Honda offers an on-site, registered dietitian who provides individual or group consultations on weight management. Body fat analysis and Body Mass Index  measurements are available to staff members at any time.

At Grange Insurance’s Columbus headquarters, the cafeteria chef evaluates meals and provides employees basic nutrition information, including Weight Watchers points.

Many companies partner with the American Cancer Society to offer nutrition information through the “5-ADay” program, which provides businesss free signage and educational materials about the importance of eating five servings of fruits and vegetables a day.

The program also offers a fruit and vegetable “frequency card” that gives staff members a free portion of fruit or vegetables after he or she has purchased a preset number.