A Message from the HAP Wellness Team

Our May Forum was a huge success. We showcased a few of our worksite programs such as the High Blood Pressure program, Weight Wise at Work, and Weight Watchers® at Work. This provided an opportunity for the attendees to see first hand if these programs would be a good "fit" for their company and employees.

We then broke into small discussion groups to brainstorm ideas on how to address four common questions we frequently receive from you.

• How to incorporate wellness programs into the workday without disrupting productivity.
• How to promote healthy behaviors in the workplace (i.e. healthy foods in vending machines and cafeterias; smoking cessation, exercise, etc.).
• How to get upper management support for on-site wellness programs, particularly in this economic environment.
• How to encourage employees to attend workshops / health fairs

To view all the great ideas, visit hap.org/worksite.

Attention Small Business Owners

If you are a small business owner and looking for resources to build and run a wellness program, there is a Web site just for you. The Michigan's Wellness Resource Web site, miwellnessresource.org which was launched in June by the Small Business Association of Michigan (SBAM) and the Michigan Health & Hospital Association (MHA) provides Michigan employers including hospitals and small businesses, and the public with the knowledge and tools necessary to build and promote employer and family wellness programs. This Web site contains helpful information for individuals and families striving to build healthier lifestyles. After all, a healthy community is a strong community!

CDC Introduces New Web Site to Help Employers Combat Obesity and Reduce Health-Related Costs

In July, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) unveiled LEANWorks!, a Web site designed to help businesses address obesity. LEAN stands for Leading Employees to Activity and Nutrition. The new Web site was announced at a National Business Group on Health meeting in Washington, D.C.

The free Web site was developed particularly for small and mid-size companies, which typically have more limited resources to devote to obesity prevention efforts. However, the tools and resources available on CDC LEANWorks! can benefit companies of any size. CDC LEANWorks! can help employers calculate the cost of obesity for their organizations and develop tailored approaches to help control these costs through interventions such as fitness classes, lunchtime health education sessions, weight management programs, and more. Visit cdc.gov/leanworks.

Spotlight on BASF

This month we are pleased to introduce Lynda Harvey, from BASF who is excited to share the wellness programs that she has implemented during the past year.
The employee wellness program at BASF started as a simple health fair in 2007. This first health fair included blood pressure, body fat and body mass index screenings provided by HAP. Lynda Harvey, an employee at the site, was someone who prided herself on being fit and healthy, so she decided to have her blood pressure screened. To Lynda's surprise, her blood pressure was high. From that day, Lynda decided to make it her personal mission to manage her hypertension with diet and exercise and share her passion for health with her co-workers. For the last two years, Lynda has worked in partnership with HAP to bring additional screenings to the worksite. The Weight Wise at Work program, the HAP High Blood Pressure Program and various speakers help her spread the word of wellness. When asked how she gets such great participation for all their programs, Lynda said "everyone sees me running and jumping rope at lunchtime, they know I walk the talk and that makes people think, I can get healthy too."

Zero Trends: A Must Have

Zero Trends: Health as a Serious Economic Strategy by Dee Edington, PhD, Health Management Research Center (HMRC), University of Michigan, is an excellent resource for you and your organization. The book provides information on how organizations can manage escalating healthcare costs while keeping their workforce healthy and productive by creating a culture of health. A culture in which we not only care for the sick but also enable the healthy to stay healthy. It's based on over 30 years of research completed by the HMRC: copies are available for $19.95. To be placed in a drawing to win a copy of this book, send an email to livewell@hap.org. In the subject line type in "Free Book" and be sure to include your contact information.

Health Topic of the Month - Healthy Eating

According to the Center for Disease Control (CDC), American society has become 'obesogenic,' characterized by environments that promote increased food intake, nonhealthful foods, and physical inactivity. In 2007, Michigan's obesity rate stood at 27.7% based on data collected from the CDC. Unfortunately, the statistics continues to rise.

Overweight and obese individuals have a higher risk of developing chronic diseases such as high blood pressure, coronary heart disease, type 2 diabetes, cancers, stroke and osteoarthritis.

Nutrition is one of the pillars of health. The food that you consume can either harm or help you. If you are looking for more information about how much, how often and what you should eat to be healthy, we have programs that may help you get on the right track.

HAP Featured Programs - Healthy Cooking and Eating

Workshops: Healthy Cooking and Eating
Invite one of our dietitians or Chef Paul to your worksite to discuss and demonstrate ways to prepare healthy meals. Your "numbers" will love the results. No charge for this interactive program.

Weight Wise at Work
This six week comprehensive program features an in-depth look at the eight D-I-E-T F-R-E-E Healthy Habits for Life. In each one hour session participants will discuss the eight habits and create personalized weekly action plans (ideal for 20 - 40 participants). Each participant receives a comprehensive workbook. HAP members also receive a Lickety-Split Meals for Health-Conscious People on the Go! cookbook if they attend all meetings. Participating non-HAP members can purchase the cookbook at a reduced cost.

We request that you have a minimum of 25 participants at your workplace to make the program successful. No charge for this interactive program.

To schedule a presentation for your employees, please contact us at livewell@hap.org.

Weight Watchers®
Don't forget that HAP members receive a discount on their Weight Watchers® membership either through the Weight Watchers® at Work program or as an individual. To enroll, call (888) 3-FLORINE or go online to 8883florine.com.

Explore our Wellness by the Month flyers and share with your employees.

Back to school time! Buy products that have the highest percentage of recyclable products. There are biodegradable pencils and refillable pens and recycled versions of both.

Did you know that 18,760 pounds of lunch waste is created per year by one elementary school?

Pack lunches wisely. Buy a PVC free insulated lunch bag and go with metal beverage containers. Use reusable plastic containers rather than baggies. For more ideas, visit planetgreen.discovery.com

Scrumptious Swiss Oats: a great summer alternative to warm oatmeal. (see recipe and demo)

Chicken or Salmon Marsala: just 20 minutes to prepare and you'll feel like you're dining out! (see recipe and demo)

*Recipes are reprinted with permission from Zonya Foco's Lickety-Split Meals cookbook.

Start Planning Now!

In the months of October and November we are promoting the flu vaccine clinics, workshops on breast cancer, Women's Health and Depression.

To learn more or to schedule any of these events contact us at livewell@hap.org.

Flu Shot Clinics
Flu Season is around the corner and it is never too early to plan your worksite flu shot program. You can schedule your flu shot clinic by visiting henryford.com and clicking on "flu shots" from the menu on the right. You can also go to findaflushot.com to find a flu shot clinic within your zip code or visit vna.org.

To schedule a speaker, health fair or wellness workshop on any of our topics, or if you have a question you would like us to answer, please contact us livewell@hap.org.

Mark Your Calendars

The fall Worksite Wellness Forum is scheduled for Thursday, September 24, 2009, from 9 a.m. to 11 a.m. We will have a panel of four experts, each presenting on their stress management therapies/programs. You will have the chance to ask questions and see first hand if any of these programs would be of benefit for your worksite. Watch for your formal invitation by e-mail.