Tobacco Resources and Best Practices for Employers
By Kristin Lamb, CHWC The Indiana State Department of Health reports that employers are greatly impacted by the burden of tobacco use. The average annual healthcare cost associated with tobacco use in Indiana is $2.2 billion. Plus the average annual cost burden due to lost productivity related to smoking in Indiana is $2.6 billion. Luckily, […]
Wellness Screenings: Why They Matter to Employees and Why They Should Matter to You
By Brittany Wonnell, RD, CHWC After completing a biometric screening and taking a health assessment, your employees are now aware of their health. Awareness and receiving education is an important initial step in making healthy lifestyle changes. Carlo DiClemente’s Transtheoretical Model suggests that cognitive processes such as obtaining information and finding the benefits of changing […]
Integrating Technology with Wellness Programs
By Mindi Matthews, MBA, CHWC Smartphones, laptops and other devices are heavily used in today’s workplace. Well-configured applications can provide 24/7 engagement with employees on their health and wellness issues/goals. For example, reminders to go for a 20-minute walk, to drink 64 ounces of water, take a prescribed medication or schedule a follow-up visit with […]
Move Your Workout Outside
By Ryan Lawson, Exercise Specialist As warmer weather begins to make a more steady appearance in the coming weeks, it’s more inviting to get involved in outdoor activities. Moving activities outside during nice, sunny weather has several positive health benefits. Outdoor exercise has been associated with increased energy and revitalization, as well as decreased feelings […]
How to Get the Most Out of Your Workout
By Katie Boscia, RD, IBCLC, CDE Staying hydrated during a workout helps your body maintain blood volume and good cardiac output, as well as deliver oxygen to the muscles you’re exercising. It also helps prevent muscle cramps and helps regulate your core temperature. In order to stay properly hydrated while exercising, you need to make […]
Exercise Your Mind with Yoga and Pilates
By Ryan Lawson, Exercise Specialist If you’ve considered joining a yoga or Pilates class, your reasons might be to strengthen your core or become more flexible. But in addition to the physical benefits of these classes, there are numerous mental health benefits. While Pilates focuses on the powerhouse areas such as abdominal muscles, lower back, […]
Keep Stress at Bay with These Mindfulness Practices
By Brittany Wonnell, RD Though mindfulness can mean different things to everyone, essentially, it’s being aware and engaged in the present. Throughout the busy workday, it’s important to practice mindfulness to bring yourself back into the moment, which can help ease stress or provide relief during a hectic day. With these four methods, you can […]
Tips for Mindful Eating
By Katie Boscia, RD, IBCLC, CDE Learning what you should eat is half the battle of living a healthier life. The other half is being present and paying attention to what you’re eating. Our world today is so busy, we’re constantly trying to save time. Whether it’s eating in the car while you’re taking your […]
Slow it Down: How Walking Can Be Better Than Running
By Brittany Nelson, MS, RD, CHWC The importance of walking is sometimes overlooked because of other high-intensity exercises that are popular. But whether it’s for weight loss or just toning your muscles, physical activity at any level can benefit your overall health and wellbeing. Anything is better than nothing—remember that when thinking about incorporating some […]
Tips for Eating on the Go
By Katie Boscia, RD, IBCLC, CDE People are so busy today that nutrition is often the last item on our list of priorities. Between work and running kids to and from activities, there isn’t a lot of time left for planning or cooking meals. But beware of quick, convenient foods because they’re high in fat, […]