With our nation's rates of heart. disease, obesity and diabetes at an all-time high, people are finally. realizing that health and fitness are not just a trend, but a necessity. Given how much time we spend at work, it makes sense that the necessary changes. in diet, exercise, and lifestyle should begin in the workplace. Employers want to see their costs go down, and one way. to do that is to help your employees through health and wellness fairs.
Health and fitness fairs are a great way to encourage and educate. Exhibitions can last a day or you can spend a month; This can even be a regular, permanent monthly event. Fairs not only provide information, but can also be an opportunity. to offer your employees a variety of food, activities, and ideas. that will help them positively improve their lives. A healthy. workforce can translate into lower health. care costs, less time off and happier, more productive employees.
Coordinating a health and fitness fair does not require a large dollar investment. However, it requires some creativity and legwork. Events or activities need to be organized and planned and if you are working with a tight budget, you need to spend time on research and research.
First, determine how much time you have. Maybe your company can donate a day, or you should organize a volunteer lunch event - once or twice a week for a month. You can also take advantage of your morning or afternoon break to go for a quick walk or offer a healthy snack. Once you have a deadline, start planning what the goals and topics will be for each period. Consider whether lifestyle changes are taught or encouraged. How will you keep up with these changes throughout the year? Walking clubs, lunch buddies, and goal setting are ideas that can be implemented at the Health and Wellness Fair and can be run by the staff long after the fair is over. You can also teach your employees about nutrition, exercise, stress reduction, and more. You may want to introduce alternative methods, some people may not be exposed or aware of the tools they need to help themselves.
Areas to focus on may include:
Nutrition - Diet, proper portion sizes, calculating calorie intake for weight / goals, including healthy foods such as whole grains, fruits and vegetables in daily meals.
Exercise - incorporating alternatives to regular exercise such as daily exercise, proper techniques for simple exercise, yoga, palates, walking, dancing, cycling, walking.
Mental health - meditation, stress reduction, work/life balance
Benefits - Understand health care plans with add-on programs offered by most carriers
Resources to help reduce costs:
The internet is full of articles, ideas, and information on health and fitness topics. Remember to only use reputable sources and check and compare information from several sites. However, most employees do not have time to read long articles, so consider making bullet points or simple summaries.
Vendors - Does your company work with any vendors? Especially those who are interested in health? Use their contacts and ask for help. State your reasons clearly and concisely and specify what you are looking for: cash for fair health expenses, cash prizes for attending, outreach and employee education, etc.
Local Businesses –
Many restaurants, gyms, and juice bars in your area may be willing to help or donate, especially if you decide to promote your business and your employees. You'll be surprised what you can get if you ask.
Employees - don't forget to use your internal resources! The staff includes personal trainers, dietitians, nutritionists, massage therapists, bodybuilders, and more. It can be a prospective spouse, friend, or family, and they can give demonstrations or presentations for free or at a nominal fee.
Creativity and Brainstorming - Nothing beats a collective brainstorm. Ask for help and bring those people low cost ideas. Creating exercise or diet contests, giving out "bragging rights," and having employees take breaks to eat healthy meals are free ways to start a healthy routine.
Customize your program for the specific needs or wants of your workforce. Maybe you already have a younger, healthier workforce, but you're not aware of the benefits. You can spend a month where preventive care and annual checkups are encouraged and informative briefings are held. A contest can be held for each person who completes their check.
Or maybe you have an older workforce that doesn't have time to exercise or prepare healthy meals. Set up a vendor to sell a healthy breakfast/lunch or run a lunch club (a