Have you ever wondered how extensive wellness programs in the workplace have become or about the focus of most current programs? Would you look for training sessions on team building, relationships, critical thinking skills, or what about the personal quest for added meaning and purpose to your job?

According to WELCOA over 85 percent of America’s businesses with 50 or more employees have some form or health promotion program the most popular are risk reduction and fitness based promotions. These include exercise, nutrition, and stop smoking classes, back care programs, and stress management.

Why offer these programs? According to WELCOA there are 6 important reasons why every business should consider developing and implementing a health promotion initiative.

• Health care costs
• Most illnesses can be avoided
• The workweek is expanding
• The technology revolution is on
• Employee stress levels are increasing
• Increasing diversity in the workforce

   What are the benefits? Reduced absenteeism, higher productivity, less use of health care benefits, lower worker’s compensation and disability management costs, fewer injuries, higher morale and greater loyalty.

What about women specifically?

Paying more attention to women pays off. Women are a powerful demographic. In healthcare, education, insurance, banking, and retail, women already make up the majority of employees. By 2010 women will account for two-thirds of this country’s ENTIRE workforce. What is more, women are the primary consumers and decision-makers with regard to health care fro themselves and their families.

Women’s wellness issues are multidimensional and often complicated by social, cultural, and economical factors. Kailo is a wellness initiative from North Iowa looking at gender expertise in health promotion. Based on their information, women’s wellness should focus on the following 6 areas:

• Relationships: Women tend to value connection over competition.
• Psychosocial well being: Programs for depression, anxiety, and stress are more important than physical health issue programs.
• Body positivity: 50 percent of the women in this study said the way they felt about their bodies prevented them from fully enjoying their lives. Programs to eliminate the extremes were helpful.
• Rest/Sleep: Women suffer more than men from sleep deprivation and sleep disorders. Stress and worry was the most frequent reason given for a lack of adequate rest.
• Personal safety and financial security: Women are the likely targets of domestic violence and sexual harassment. Awareness programs help alleviate the stress related to these issues.
• Physical Self-care: Annual physical exams, breast exams, and other health screenings and prevention strategies are considered positive physical programs.
• Physical Self-care: Annual physical exams, breast exams, and other health screenings and prevention strategies are considered positive physical programs.

   It is the traditional worksite programs that are not as effective as they could be for women primarily due to their physical health focus and reliance on incentive programs. The holistic approach has proven a better fit for incorporating gender expertise.

Our biggest challenge in promoting health for women is one of shifting attitudes — self-care is not self-indulgent… it is self-preservation!

Wellness and longevity... Health becomes an extension of how well the mind, body, and spirit work together. Each extension brings opportunity for you to Take Charge of Your Health!

(Editor’s Note: Dr. Monique West is an Independent Marketer of Ideal Health and an Independent Personal Trainer. Helping you achieve your health, fitness, and financial goals. Contact her at westwellness@hotmail.com or 206.718.4895.).