Wellness Program – Choices Matter.

The menu approach offers workers a range of choices to support lifestyle changes. It permits individuals  to select the type of help that suits their schedules and preferences.

The four basic kinds of programs include –

• Courses

• Minigroups

• Guided self help

• Individual counseling

Classes

Classes (8 or more) can 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 courses at a worksite.

A lot of employees are under time constraints with after work commitments and although they could be interested they simply cannot participate because of their schedules.

Workers could  be very eager to begin a program but because of lack of participants to meet class quotas, the program is canceled.

Many national organizations like the American Heart Association, American Cancer Society, Weight Watchers, etc. offer classes; you should’ve little trouble in identifying a provider for class type programs.

You might want to contact your local hospital, health department, or YMCA for possible options. 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 staff members 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 could be arranged and contact could be made either in person, by phone, or computer. Materials could be made available at the worksite, or mailed to the individual. Some worksites now make information available via intranets or the Internet.

Individual Counseling

Among the most successful ways to help individuals 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 might be required to both screen individuals and counsel them. They should know how to do the following –  

• Review worker health risks

• Contact employees who have health risks.

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

• Be certain to help employees follow their treatment recommendations and make lifestyle and health behavior changes.

• Recruit employees into health improvement programs, like weight loss and tobacco use cessation.

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

• Conduct classes and minigroups when necessary.

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

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

Counselors should be able to consult with employees about their health problems and the treatments prescribed by their doctors.

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