Wellness Program – Choices Matter.

The menu approach offers staff members a range of choices to support lifestyle changes. It authorizes individuals  to choose 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) 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 is not sufficient to offer only classes at a worksite.

Many staff members are under time constraints with after work commitments and although they could be interested they simply cannot participate because of their schedules.

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

Many national organizations such as 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 could want to contact your local hospital, health department, or YMCA for possible choices. for selecting  a vendor to provide a program you could 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 could 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 workers do not 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 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 should be trained in screening techniques, for in certain situations, they might be required to both screen person and counsel them. They should know how to do the following –  

• Review employee health risks

• Contact workers who have health risks.

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

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

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

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

• Conduct courses and minigroups when necessary.

• Be sure 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 talk with staff members 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.