Posted by Worksite Wellness | Posted in worksite wellness programs | Posted on 02-12-2008
The 61st annual World Health Assembly is taking place this week in Geneva, Switzerland and at this assembly; the World Health Organization (WHO) is presenting its report titled “Preventing Non-communicable Diseases (NCD) in the Workplace through Diet and Physical Activity.”
The report calls for Worksite Wellness Programs to be promoted and implemented worldwide.
Importance of Worksite Wellness Programs
The report states that Non-Communicable Disease related deaths have surpassed transferable disease related deaths and have become the leading global killers. Examples of Non-Communicable Disease’s are heart disease, diabetes and stroke. In 2005, 60% of worldwide projected deaths were caused by non-communicable diseases. They are predicting that this health trend will continue through at least 2030.
Diet, caloric intake, lack of physical activity and tobacco use are the major risk factors in the cause of Non-Communicable Disease’s. Now more than ever, the understanding of the importance of health and wellness is crucial.
Worksite Wellness Programs are Effective Tools
The report states that Worksite Wellness Programs are found to be effective in improving health-related risk factors, such as obesity, heart disease and diabetes. The report also states that Worksite Wellness Programs will improve the health of employees, improve the corporate image, improve worker morale, reduce worker absences and sick leave, increase worker productivity, and reduce corporate medical care costs.
Worksite Wellness Programs Monitoring
Finally, the report mentions that to have a successful Worksite Wellness Program, monitoring and evaluation through Health risk assessments and health outcomes are essential and should be included in the Worksite Wellness Program implementation. The evaluations ensure that the Worksite Wellness Program developed meets the proper needs of the employees. Employees should be reevaluated on an on-going basis to make sure the Worksite Wellness Program is still working, or to see if there are any adjustments that need to be made.