Wellness Program – Choices Matter.

The menu approach offers employees a range of choices to support lifestyle changes. It allows people  to select the kind of help that suits their schedules and preferences.

The four basic types of programs include –

• Classes

• Minigroups

• Guided self help

• Individual counseling

Classes

Courses (8 or more) may be an effective means of providing education and social support for behavior change. the length of a class can vary depending on topic requirements. It isn’t sufficient to offer only classes at a worksite.

A lot of staff members are under time constraints with after work commitments and although they could be interested they simply can’t participate because of their schedules.

Employees may  be very eager to start a program but because of lack of participants to meet class quotas, the program is canceled.

A lot of national organizations such as the American Heart Association, American Cancer Society, Weight Watchers, etc. offer classes; you should have little trouble in identifying a provider for class type programs.

You might want to contact your local hospital, health department, or YMCA for possible choices. for selecting  a provider to provide a program you might want to review the section on program structure.

Minigroups

When there is not enough interest to create a class, those who are interested in a given health topic can be formed into a minigroup (2 to 7).

The minigroup can cover the same content as a class but do so in a less formal manner. Presentation of information and discussion is the major format of the minigroup.

Guided Self-Help

Most employees don’t want formal help in making health changes; they prefer to do it on their own. In guided self-help, the wellness counselors provide support, materials, and encouragement.

Meeting times may be arranged and contact may be made either in person, by phone, or computer. Materials may be made available at the worksite, or mailed to the individual. Some worksites now make information available via intranets or the Internet.

Individual Counseling

One of the most successful ways to help person change and improve their health status is counseling (or coaching) on a one-on-one basis.

In published studies, wellness programs which incorporated individual counseling as part of the program process achieved significantly higher participation rates and achieved greater risk reduction/risk elimination than standard group programs. Studies have demonstrated that individual counseling is both cost effective and cost beneficial.

A wellness counselor ought to be trained in screening techniques, for in certain situations, they may be required to both screen person and counsel them. They should know how to do the following –  

• Review staff member health risks

• Contact employees who have health risks.

• Counsel staff members on a one-on-one basis, helping them set objectives, solve problems, and get specialist help when they need it.

• Make certain to help staff members follow their treatment recommendations and make lifestyle and health behavior changes.

• Recruit workers into health improvement programs, such as weight loss and smoking cessation.

• Make sure to work with staff members on a one-on-one basis using guided self-help.

• Conduct classes and minigroups when necessary.

• Be certain to work with wellness committee members to plan and conduct worksite-wide wellness activities.

Wellness counselors are health generalists; they must have basic knowledge about a wide range of health topics and health risks.

Counselors should be able to talk with employees about their medical problems and the treatments prescribed by their physicians.

They should’ve a good overview of nutrition, exercise physiology, pathophysiology of illness, pharmacology, psychology, and behavior change skills.