Winston Salem WellnessWinston Salem Wellness – Winston Salem Health Promotion

It wasn’t so long ago that exercising was a necessary evil. The benefits of exercising were known, but it was difficult to get motivated. In big part, this lack of motivation was due to the boredom of exercise routines

that were available. Often the only exercise options that were available were biking, walking, use of the treadmill, jogging, weightlifting, etc.

Then it seemed that gym? became popular. Often the gym? would try to incorporate entertainment such as television viewing or the availability of fitness trainers. These features and services were designed to make exercising more well-liked and motivate the individual to develop a daily routine.

Today, there is an exercise regimen that not only makes it fun to exercise, but also provides an excellent aerobic exercise workout. This motivating new program is a dancing aerobics exercise routine.

History Of The Aerobics Activity Routine

The aerobics routine has evolved from the original dance oriented exercise programs of the 1980’s. These earlier exercise programs, that incorporated dance movements, were comprised of dance routines that were often complicated. In addition, these routines utilized movements that were fluid in motion and did not necessarily provide much in the way of physical benefits.

In contrast, the dancing aerobics routine of today is comprised of minimal dance steps and the movements are more athletic in nature. This shift in focus has made the dance fitness exercise routine more popular today. Truly, because of the athleticism involved, the popularity of the aerobics exercise routine has spilled over into the specialist athletic arena.

Popularity

The popularity of the dance aerobics exercise routine has increased due to many factors. One of these factors is the music that is typically part of the program. This music has a very strong beat and is uplifting. These factors blend together to motivate the participant to perform the aerobics exercise routine as well as looking forward to each session. These two resulting benefits are the keys to the success of any exercise program.

Stages Of The Routine

There are three different stages that can be part of an aerobics activity routine. Especially they are the low and high impact type or a combination of the two kinds.

The low impact type is designed to lesson the stress placed on the lower extremities and feet. Especially, the steps are designed so that either one of the feet remains in contact with the ground at all times. Through this process the likelihood of injuries such as shin splints are minimized. However, being of the low impact kind, the aerobics exercise routine is not as vigorous and therefore does not increase the heart level to the optimum rate.

A high impact aerobics exercise routine is the valid opposite. This routine seldom calls for any movements that require one foot to remain on the ground. In addition, these routines are very aggressive and increase the heart rate so that a maximum aerobic workout is achieved. The caution in doing a high-impact aerobics exercise routine is the possibility of being injured. Injury might result from the impact experienced when the feet hit the surfaces of the exercise area. This risk can be minimized through the use of good aerobic shoes as well as exercising on specially designed floors that absorb the shock.

The best aerobics exercise routine to participate in is that routine that combines the high impact and the low impact exercises. This combination of impact exercises is the most popular as it combines a warm up period for the participant performing the low impact exercise and then increases the heart rate through the high impact routine.

In this world of ours, we are surrounded by small, medium, and big boned humans. The bodily structure of the muscles and bones play a part in how the body is framed as it matures. Weight factors are considered by bone structure also. For instance, a medium-bone woman at the height of 5″2 can weigh up to 135 without being overweight. A larger bone structured woman can weigh a few pounds more without tipping the scale.

Obesity however is taking over our country do to changes in eating habits. The damning changes include the FDA, which allows harmful additive in the foods we eat. We see obesity in our future at higher scales than ever in our history. Why do you think 12 and 14 years old children are running around with large buttocks and breast? Ask FDA about the additives. The problem is these children take for granted the benefits, since down the road those buttocks and chest will balance with midriffs, thighs, and so on.

Now you are able to take those cans of beans off the shelves, sit around, and do nothing about your weight, however if you do not loose weight it can lead to serious back pain. Back pain, especially lower back pain, is the worst condition of all pain we can experience, yet the condition spreads out from a broad array of causes.

Back pain emerges from a chain of reactions, starting with the skeleton bones and moving to the skeletal muscles. Once the bones and muscles are targeted, the reactions carry on to collagen, calcium, phosphates, magnesium, joints, ligaments, tendons, cartilages, synovium, fibers, connective tissues, nerve roots, nerve endings, and gradually moves to the biggest component within our body’s structure, known as the Central Nervous System. Now we have serious complications in the making.

The chain reactions affect our hormones, metabolic; weight bearing muscles and joints, and moves to deterioration. Now, the chain reaction might not occur in like order, yet in one fashion or the other each component of the body is affected over time.

Obesity increases the chain reaction. Back injuries alone can lead to obesity. For instance, if at one time you lift or catch a heavy object, individuals, etc, later down the road your back may fail, causing you enormous pain. The pain slows your actions, as well as causes emotional responses to produce symbolism messages, which can alter your life dramatically. You may feel helpless and continue life lying on your back, pitying your condition and failing to see how you can relieve your pain. Inactive muscles lead to obesity.

In view of the fact, we see that the muscles must have proper movement daily to avoid such problems. Exercise is the key that opens the door to healthy spines and closes the door to obesity. Stop fat in its track by working those muscles.

Emotions are powerful and tricky. You can stop the emotions from playing tricks on your mind by taking action now. If you have a weight condition set a plan, and attempts to loose the measured weight at a scheduled interval. For instance, set your mind to loose five pounds by the end of the month. Once you loose the weight, You will notice a change in your spine, which includes reduced back pain. Be sure to set up a regimen of exercises that are suitable for you to achieve your goal.

When you loose weight, it strengthens the muscles in your tummy and spinal column. The health advantage increases the chain reactions natural flow. Natural flow is achieved, since you reduce the amount of stress added to the joints and muscles. In view of the fact, you want to choose stretch exercises and workouts that do not overexert the joints, or muscles, try some dance aerobics to help you burn the fat much quicker.

Dance Aerobics is one of the best and fun methods to keep trim and lead a healthy life. Most people that cater to this type of Aerobic Activity say it is the most fun. It gives you all the muscle toning, keeps your body flexible and trim.

Now you can do Dance Fitness by joining classes just like Step Aerobics. But what is really fun is when you go out dancing on a Saturday night or some other night. There are many dance clubs you can join. One good example is Square Dancing. People have fun and they make a lot of friends. If you are a home body get you one of many videos on the internet and enjoy Dance Fitness at home.

There are many types of Dance that fit into Dance Aerobics, Jazz, Funk, Belly dancing and many more. Being Latino I personally like Salsa and Mambo.

We have all heard about a “runner’s high”. Did you know that there is also a “Dancers High” for those really into Aerobic Dancing. If you have ever reached a “Dancers High” you know it is sensational. Some claim it is much more spiritual and and deeper than a “running high”.

One of the problems we face today is obesity. We spend most of our time on the couch watching TV or on a computer. We need to add some activity to our lives to burn all those calories we take in and what could do that without feeling pressure…Dance Fitness. So if you like to have fun while keeping physically fit get your dancing shoes on often and socialize and meet new people. the exercise you get is good for your health, You will look trimmer and have more self confidence.

Like anything else it is just a matter of making a decision and this should be an easy one. If you do not want to leave the house you can even find programs on TV that offer Dance Fitness. So put your dance shoes on and get with it.

Many Americans are foregoing luxury expenses like high car payments, vacations, and gym memberships in order to combat the struggling economy and rising costs of everyday expenses like food, gasoline, and other essentials. Fast food restaurants are beefing up their value menus in attempts to lure budget-conscious consumers through the door, and people everywhere are feeling the crunch of fewer and fewer resources. But being on a tight budget doesn’t mean you have to abandon your fitness regimen, or skip a healthy meal for a cheaper, high-calorie alternative. Instead, follow these simple tips to maximize your budget without sacrificing your health, or the health of your family.

Go pedestrian

Recent commuter studies have found that the typicalcar trip covers a distance of less than three miles. Not only is driving such short distances a huge waste of gas and a major problem for the environment, it’s just plain lazy. Next time you need to run an errand close by, walk there instead of driving. If it’s a bit too far to walk, hop on a bike either option is healthier (and more economical) than relying on your car to get you everywhere you need to go.

Embrace public transportation

If you live in a city that has a decent public transportation system, use it! Odds are You will have to walk a ways to get to the nearest bus or commuter rail stop, but since walking is one of the healthiest forms of exercise you can find, it’s a win-win situation. Not only will you get more activity into your day, You will save money on gas, and help cut back on pollution.

Avoid over-processed foods

People constantly seem to operate under the misconception that unhealthy foods are cheaper than healthy ones. While this certainly can be true, it doesn’t have to be, especially if you practice smart shopping habits. Instead of opting for prepared foods or worse, fast food, stock up on basic staples like chicken breast, rice, and frozen vegetables. Purchase chicken breasts in bulk and package them individually, then throw them in the freezer for convenience. The great thing about chicken is, it’s healthy, and it can take on almost any flavor, giving you literally hundreds of preparation options. Likewise, rice is inexpensive and extremely versatile, and frozen vegetables are cheap and just plain easy. In the long run, eating smart will keep your family healthier, and shopping smart will keep your budget going strong. Also, always keep an eye out for which fruits and vegetables are on sale!

Be sure to get active

One of the leading causes of American Citizen’s poor health and fitness is a lack of activity. Sitting at a desk all day is not a healthy routine, so do what you can to mix it up as much as possible. Skip a coffee break in favor of a quick, brisk walk outside. Or, make it a point to take a walk as a family in the evening after dinner. It will help promote healthy digestion, and it will give you some quality family time, away from all the distractions you find at home. Another excellent, inexpensive exercise option is to buy a workout video. They are cheap, and can be very effective (just make sure you pick one that You will enjoy dance aerobics and belly dancing workouts are fun, effective, and never boring).

If you are one of the millions of people that suffer from lower back pain, then you need to know that exercise can do wonders for you. When it comes to relieving lower back pain, exercise provides more long term relief than any back pills that your physician can give you. The fact is, pills only serve to mask the problem by providing temporary relief of the pain, but the problem that is causing much of the pain is still there. Exercise will strengthen the muscles that support your back and improve flexibility therefore greatly reducing the chances of future attacks.

You should be doing a three fold program of exercise which includes aerobics, resistance and stretching exercises. Aerobic exercise like walking and bike riding will begin to get your body conditioned properly because it strengthens your heart and lightly works your muscles. Resistance exercise like weight lifting will strengthen the muscles that support your back. Stretching exercises will increase flexibility giving your back a greater range of motion. Your physician can guide you as to when and how much of each type of exercise you should be getting.

For people with lower back pain, the best aerobic exercises to do are low impact ones like swimming, walking and bike riding. Jogging, dance fitness and step aerobics all produce repeated impact on your back and on your knee and hip joints as well. In order to get in good condition, start out with 15 minutes of light aerobic work per day, 2 to 3 times per week, and then gradually build yourself up to 30 to 40 minutes per day, 4 to 5 times per week.

You should be working enough to raise your heart rate to be in between 65% to 85% of your maximal heart rate. You determine your maximal heart rate by subtracting your age from 220. Regardless of whether you are walking, bike riding or doing any other aerobic exercise, always maintain good posture. This means sit up strait, stand strait and do not slouch or lean forward. Good posture is essential to any good exercise program.

When it comes to resistance exercising, you always want to concentrate on the abdominal muscles. These muscles play a major part in giving your lower back support and the stronger they are, the more relief for your back. Also important is to do exercises that are designed to specifically strengthen the lower back muscles themselves. You will best benefit from working each muscle group 2 to 3 times per week. You may want to hire a licensed fitness trainer to help get you on your way by designing a resistance program that is right for you.

Do not forget that while resistance exercise is great for strengthening the targeted muscles being worked, there should never be any pain involved. Some discomfort should be present in the muscles being worked while performing the exercises for them, but should subside very shortly after completion of the exercise. If there is any pain during the exercises or if discomfort persists for some time after, it is a sign that something is wrong and exercising should be discontinued and your physician should be consulted immediately.

As far as stretching is concerned, 10 to 15 minutes of moderate stretching per day is usually enough to get the job done just fine. Here you really want to concentrate on stretching your hamstrings which are the muscles in the back of your upper legs. The looser your hamstring muscles are, the better range of motion your back will have as flexible hamstring muscles do not put the strain on your lower back that tight ones do.

Stretching the lower back muscles is also a must and sitting on the floor with your legs flat on the floor in front of you while you slowly reach for your toes until you can’t go any further, hold for 10 seconds, and sit back up is a great exercise to stretch both your hamstrings and your lower back. Repeat this stretch 2 to 3 times each day.

While there are no miracle cures for lower back pain, you are able to make living with a lower back condition much easier to deal with by simply incorporating some exercise into your life each day. It’s worth the effort in the long run give up 30 to 40 minutes per day, 4 to 5 days per week to exercise away your lower back pain.

These are simple and fun programs that have the potential to be done within your employer to arouse healthy lifestyles during a contest or during other times. The goal is to encourage employee participation. Some examples:
• Organize a sub-committee of enthusiastic staff members who will help promote the exercise program by offering ideas, ideas and encouragement to fellow staff members.
• Create monthly mailbox flyers to reward a contest or offer fitness-related education/encouragement information.
• Send a periodic voicemail on each member’s phone with encouraging wellness messages.
• Provide regular cumulative health progress reports.
• Provide reduced fat or heart-healthy lunch selections on a weekly basis in your cafeteria or have staff members bring a healthy snack to share, with a recipe book compiled at the end of the contest or specified time period (such as a National Nutrition Month in March).
• Distribute employee gifts (pedometers or other novelty item related to some aspect of your contest theme) as registration starts.
• Allow staff members “Fitness 15-Minute Walk Breaks;” business time to walk, exercise, etc. If appropriate, you might use a space not currently used to set up a treadmill, elliptical, bicycle, some no cost weights and meditation music.
• Hold a T-shirt design contest.
• Establish posters to map contest (or fitness) progress and to serve as reminder of your objectives and goals:
   • Use push pins or other identifiers for each individual to display in the office showing how they have progressed – staff members have the potential to get very creative with this and design pins that reflect their personalities.
   • Use a chart to compare progress.
   • Use a “thermometer” type graphic and color in progress – consider a different, fitness-related graphic all together and color it in as you progress.
• Provide aerobic dance or walking videos in your conference or break rooms.
• Compile a list of organized programs in the community that offer opportunities to get staff members working out by participating as a team (below are just a few):
   • Race For The Cure
   • March of Dimes Walk America event
   • Juvenile Diabetes Research
   • Foundation Walk to Cure
   • American Heart Association’s Heart Walk
   • American Cancer Society’s Relay for Life
   • American Lung Association’s Lung Run
   • Local marathons or special general area walks or runs
• Create or go to a health-and-fitness retreat.
• Have a soup-and-salad luncheon followed by a hula-hoop contest!
• Use the mall as an alternate walking location during inclement weather.
• Establish “Move it Mondays” – allow staff members to take an extra 10 minutes during lunch for physical activity.
• Create “Tasty Tuesdays” – support workers with low-calorie treats/snacks.
• Establish “Walking Wednesdays”- allow employees to take an extra ten minutes at lunchtime to walk, or “Wacky Wednesdays” that allow employees to explore new exercises.
• Designate “Thirsty Thursdays” – make healthy smoothies or juice drinks for employees.
• Designate “Fresh Fruit Fridays” for employee – offer seasonal fruit treats.
• Send weekly exercise tips to employees via the most effective communications vehicle in your workplace.
• Partner with another company representative for local media events coordinated through your advertising or communication department.
• Urge departmental teams to challenge each other (examples: Customer Service, Marketing, Health Support).
• Designate walking clubs with executive/supervisory leadership.
• Seek out local aerobic opportunities or classes through churches, neighborhood groups, college, YMCA, etc.
• Contact several local area health clubs and ask if they can or will offer group discounts for exercise programs, waive enrollment fees, or set up a 12-week program as opposed to signing an extended contract.
• Have a Frozen Yogurt Social – “Reap the Benefits of Fitness.”
• Map out a walking track around the facility including the number of laps needed for one mile.

The variety of aerobics routines you are able to enjoy are many. You just have to find one that appeals to you. When it comes to aerobic activity, most people dread it. Why not combine your favorite sport activity with exercise for a great workout. Below are 4 ways to add variety to your exercise routine.

Dance Aerobics

Most people love to dance. Dancing is a way to relieve stress, jam to your favorite music and a great way to have fun. On the opposite end of the spectrum, not everyone loves to exercise. What if you could combine exercise and dancing? Because they’re fun, dance aerobics classes popping up all over the country.

In a dance fitness class, you dance to your favorite music learning the moves you need to not only lose weight but also to become a better dancer. A dance fitness class lasts twenty to thirty minutes. You’re having so much fun that you really don’t even realize that you’re exercising.

Dancing is a great way to have fun and relieve stress. You will have so much fun doing it that You will want to tell all your friends about it. So you see, there’s no better way to lose weight than by taking a dance fitness class.

Aerobics and Kick-boxing

Hard work can pay off in promising numbers if you combine aerobics and kick-boxing. The toll placed on your body can create a toned, well-proportioned physique many strive to have. Try adding a clean diet to the equation and You will have the ultimate makeover waiting to happen.

If you are interested in kick-boxing, the best way to learn is to participate in a beginner’s class before advancing. The body is built to handle some hard work so build strength through the constant movements needed in the routines. It is best to stretch before you experience an uncomfortable feeling from the demands. The unique combination of aerobics and kick-boxing creates a different perspective regarding your athletic abilities. As you build strength, you create endurance and stamina as well.

The energy gained in the aerobic and kick-boxing classes will transfer into your daily activities. You will have more energy than you used previously. The kick-boxing and aerobic moves become second nature to your everyday movements making activities enjoyable.

Step Aerobics

Millions of people worldwide practice step aerobics, which is another type of aerobics. The reason for its popularity may be simply that it provides an incredible cardio workout. The only real requirement is a flat surface and a stepping platform.

Step aerobic exercise is an aerobic activity that utilizes a 4 to 12 inch step. Namely, this cardiovascular exercise involves stepping up onto the raised platform at specific intervals and alternating which leg is used. This routine requires coordination and is often done with music. Step aerobic exercise provides an great aerobic workout for your legs.

Unlike some other exercises that place significant stress on the joints of the legs, step aerobic exercise places minimal duress upon the joints of the lower body. Indeed, when it comes to stress on the joints of the leg, step aerobics is similar to walking.

In addition, step aerobic exercise is choreographed with upbeat music and can the accomplished in the business of other enthusiasts.

Water Aerobics

No longer is the swimming pool the sole preserve of swimmers. Water aerobics have greatly changed this concept because the benefits of water exercises are many.

Water aerobics are instrumental in improving cardiovascular fitness and result in better endurance by gaining strength in your muscles. As a result of the buoyancy that water provides as well as the support that a body receives from water there are fewer worries about getting muscle, bone or joint injuries.

This form of exercising can be performed by people of all age groups and fitness levels. Water is an ideal choice for healthy people and for those who suffer from arthritis, neck or back problems as well as strokes and obese people. Water aerobics are often performed in chest-high water so both swimmers and non-swimmers are attracted to it.

Water aerobics uses rhythmic body movements as well as dance steps done in the water and can be performed with music or without music There are basic as well as advanced programs. Beginning programs teach you to put together arm and leg movements in different combinations. Adding intricate dance steps creates a more advanced routine movements.

When it comes to group fitness class, there are many to choose from. You just have to find one that appeals to you. By combining your favorite sport activity with exercise you can get a great workout.

These are concise informational “Health Tips” in an e-mail format on many different health-related subject matters. You are able to appoint someone within your corporation to find specific subject matters on the Internet from sites that are in the public domain or subject matters can be purchased from corporations. Some qualified sources include:
• Hope Health
• Sound Ideas, Inc.
• Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
• National Institutes of Health

These e-mails have the potential to be sent daily, weekly or monthly. Our experience indicates weekly is the best frequency.

If the majority of your employees do not have e-mail, consider offering the information to them through:
• Bulletin boards
• Check stuffers
• Mailbox stuffers
• Newsletters

SAMPLE #1 Worksite Wellness E-mail Messages

From: Employee Wellness Program
To: Wellness Team
Subject: Layering for Exercise

One way to help ensure enjoyment of a winter walk (or run) is to make sure you’re dressed properly for the weather. And the secret to that, for a winter workout, is to dress in layers.
Layer 1 — Avoid 100 percent cotton in the first layer, next to your skin. Cotton holds moisture. Wear underwear made from manmade fabrics to wick perspiration away from skin.
Layer 2 — A zippered sweatshirt and sweatpants will keep you warm. Just open the zipper if you get too warm.
Layer 3 — If required, over the sweatsuit, you can add a waterproof and windproof jacket. If it’s very cold, you may want to wear a jacket made with goose down.
Hands — Mittens will keep your hands warmer than gloves.
Feet — Wear socks made from wool or manmade fabrics that keep your feet dry and warm. Avoid 100 percent cotton socks. Don’t wear sneakers or boots that fit too tightly … this will restrict blood flow and your feet will end up feeling colder.
Head — About 40 percent of your body’s heat is lost through your head. Wear a hat and cover your ears.
Lips — Don’t forget lip balm with sunscreen … even in winter!

SAMPLE #2 Job Site Wellness E-mail Messages

From: Employee Wellness Program
To: Wellness Team
Subject: Energy Boosts

Need a boost of energy? Here are some ideas for tapping into your own energy sources — and most require little effort.
• Get an extra hour of sleep. No surprise here — it is able to make a large difference in your energy level the following day.
• Eat less more often. Have little, balanced meals or snacks throughout your day for a steady supply of fuel and energy. Make note of which foods seem to boost your energy level.
• Drink plenty of water. Dehydration leads to to fatigue, which you are able to offset by drinking water throughout the day.
• Avoid alcohol and caffeine. Both are able to contribute to dehydration and fatigue. They also tend to disrupt sleep patterns.

There are numerous aerobics classes to choose from today. You just have to find an aerobics class that appeals to you. However, as most people do not like exercising, there is a type of aerobics which is the dance aerobics.

Most people love to dance and dancing is on of the ways to relieve stress. It is also a way to have fun whether you do it on your own or with others. So, if you combine exercise and dancing, aerobics would be much more fun. This is why dance aerobics classes are popular all over the country. You can have fun while being healthy and at the same time losing weight.

In a dance aerobics class, all you have to do is dance to your favorite music. The instructor will teach you the moves that will help you to not only lose weight but also to become a better dancer. As every aerobics session usually last twenty to thirty minutes with at least three times per week, a dance aerobics class will be the best option for those not motivated enough to exercise for long periods. Twenty to thirty minutes will fly by in the blink of an eye in a dance aerobics class. You will be having so much fun that you won’t even realize that you’re exercising.

Dance aerobics classes are usually filled with people who enjoy dancing as well. This will make your experience more fun and fulfilling because You will feel that you are not alone in your exercise plan. You can dance and make friends while having fun and losing weight all at the same time. There are not many other exercise plans that offer the same thing.

Tips On Performing Aerobic Dance Steps

Before starting an aerobics dance step workout, you probably have had the opportunity to witness dance fitness classes. If you are impressed with the high levels of energy and the coordination of the participants who were performing aerobic dance steps and feel a little intimidated to become a member of  dance aerobics class, remember that everyone in the class was at one point of time, at the same level that you are at now. There is a starting to every aerobic dance step class.

The instructor will lead you step-by-step with the dance movements. All you have to do is to follow the instructions and imitate the instructor. Above the music in the aerobics dance class, the leader will shout out instructions to the class. The dance fitness instructor will be leading the group, shouting out instructions to the class. He will be using the words like left and right. These words refer to the left or right arm or leg. The best advice for you if you are confused while learning the aerobic dance steps is to at first ignore the commands from the instructor and simply imitate his lead.

Understanding The Basics Of Dance Fitness

Dance aerobics patterns are usually measured in beats. These beats are usually 32 or 64 per minute. However, it is again important not to worry about counting the total beats. All you have to do is simply follow the lead of the instructor. Typically, in keeping time, the only counting that needs to be done in a dance aerobics class is in intervals of four and eight. The entire dance step segment will fall into either one of these counts. A typical aerobic dance step session is performed in four or eight counts.

In addition to dance steps, the dance fitness routine might also include arm movements. The arm movements are added to the dance steps to increase the heart rate. Don’t forget that it’s important to feel comfortable with the basic aerobics dance steps first before adding other movements at your own pace.

Don’t forget Not to Be Self-Conscious

It’s important to always keep in mind that you are performing these group fitness dance steps movements to improve your health and your general well-being. You may also have other goal such as toning your muscles or loosing weight. Therefore, you have to try not to be self-conscious when performing the dance fitness steps. If a few times you are out of step or you do not get the routine right the first few tries, remember that the actions you perform will still be beneficial to you and that you are doing aerobic dance steps for yourself and not for others. Also remember that practice makes perfect, so you have to keep on practicing to get the perfect aerobics dance moves.

Wellness Seminars / Lunch and Learn Programs are learning sessions planned and organized by you to meet specific goals/objectives. Come up with a topic and select a speaker. Select a site for the “Lunch and Learn” session, usually a lunchroom or break room. Depending upon your budget and objectives, employees are able to brown bag the lunch or you could offer the meal. Meetings are able to be mandatory or elective, your choice.
Experience tells us the most success will be achieved if these Wellness Seminars / Lunch and Learn Programs are elective and if the company supports lunch.
Goals for Wellness Seminars / Lunch and Learn Sessions

Education on a specific health issue. You may want to choose one of your group’s top diagnoses. Examples are:
• Diabetes – diabetes prevention and care by a certified diabetic educator
• Heart disease – cardiovascular health (individual counseling sessions with a dietician)
• Hypertension
• Hypercholesterolemia
• Flu and pneumonia
• Breast cancer – breast health or breast self-exam sessions can be taught by a trained instructor

Education on healthcare insurance benefits:
• Diabetes – what are the covered benefits, where to purchase diabetic supplies, support groups for staff members with diabetes.
• Workplace Health Promotion Program Benefits
• Well baby/child care.

Education on the significance of enrolling in your health plan or local health department’s health education programs or disease management programs. Example programs:
• Diabetes
• Respiratory
• Low-Back Pain
• Cardiovascular
• Tobacco use

Community Resource Speakers for Wellness Seminars / Lunch and Learn Programs
• Local health plan office
• Local heart association
• Local cancer society
• Pharmacies – many pharmacists are available to speak on pharmacy-related problems.
• Prescription Employers – many companies have standard presentations developed for employers that are given no cost of charge to use at your own direction. Some examples are:
   • Know Your Numbers (high blood lipids) – Pfizer
   • Respiratory Wellness (flu and pneumonia) – Pfizer
   • Men’s and Women’s Health – Pfizer
• Local gyms/personal trainers/YMCA – are able to discuss walking safety, benefits of walking, swimming and aerobics.
• Yoga and/or Pilates instructors
• Running, cycling club representatives
• Local dieticians
• Stamp Out Smoking – Tobacco Coalition representatives

Topics for Wellness Seminars / Lunch and Learn Programs

• Cycling – benefits and opportunities for cycling
• Nutrition and health (Heart Healthy lunch for all attendees)
• Heart health
• Women’s health problems
• How to recognize the signs and symptoms of heart attack and stroke
• National Employee Fitness Day within the office setting – Governor’s Council on Physical Fitness representatives can encourage event
• Exercise tolerance and healthy heart problems
• Beginning an exercise program – include the effect of seeing the doctor prior to the beginning of any new exercise program
• Self-defense
• Domestic abuse
• Safety in general
• Exercise safety
• Walking/running benefits and safety tips Tobacco dangers and avoidance