DHHS Wellness at Work

Suzanne Young, DHHS Wellness Director

Brian and Donna, staff at the DHHS Wright School in Durham, received wellness points for roller-skating. Clarissa gave up fried foods to earn points. They and other staff discovered that wellness activities can be a lot of fun when 65% of the schoo’sl employees joined in a wellness competition called "The Biggest Winner." Teams competed for wellness points by making positive changes in their diet and exercise levels. Medals for wellness achievements were presented at assemblies each month, with students cheering for their teacher counselors. Results demonstrated how support for wellness in the workplace makes a huge difference in helping people achieve their personal health goals. In under a year, 68% of staff participating stopped eating sweet snacks and adopted healthy serving sizes; 50% ate more fruit; 43% chose healthier snacks; and 37% ate more fruits and vegetables.

The "Biggest Winner" competition is just one example of the many successful wellness programs implemented in DHHS since the department’s Wellness Initiative began in fall 2005. This cooperative effort between the Department and the N.C. State Plan established wellness committees in every agency and facility in the department. Wellness representatives from each committee are on the DHHS Wellness Council, which meets quarterly to develop recommendations for the Department on policy and work environment changes that will improve support for employee health and wellness.

Most of the wellness committees in the department have already implemented activities to help employees become more physically active. These include walking clubs, team sports, the creation of exercise areas, stairwell initiatives, and exercise classes. Some committees promoted the Be Active Challenge (March 6-June 16). This statewide program, organized by N.C. Amateur Sports, encourages all North Carolinians to develop healthy lifestyles. The Challenge increases participants’ physical activity using team competitions and small prizes. This year, 1,430 North Carolinians of all ages participated. The Division of Aging and Adult Services found it an effective way to add some fun competition to Dix Campus walking clubs. Be Active team member Lea Slaton says, "The Challenge has been a great way to get to know people, to learn about each other's work and to blow off a little steam. The friendly peer pressure has motivated me to sneak in a little exercise during the workday, which makes me a happier and healthier employee." Employees from the Division of Public Health and the Division of Services for the Deaf and Hard of Hearing also participated in the challenge.

Next month we will talk about promoting healthy eating among employees. Until then, try the following tips for dining out.

TIPS WHEN YOU DINE OUT

Choose broiled or baked meats and foods low in fat and sugar and try the following

• Avoid buffets- most people tend to overeat at buffets.
• Split a meal- most portions in restaurants today have more than doubled. Save money and calories by sharing or box half before eating to have lunch the next day.
• At fast food restaurants order a kid's meal or order the regular rather than the super or jumbo sizes.
• Order soup as a first course or as your entrée.
• Skip the bread and rolls.
• Drink water with your meal.
• Eat slowly-it takes 20 minutes for your brain to get the signal you are.

HEALTH FACTS

THE BAD NEWS

Treatment for chronic diseases account for almost 70% of health care costs for NC State Health Plan members under 65 and the number of employees with chronic diseases is rapidly increasing. At present rates, the number of state employees with diabetes alone will almost double between 2001 and 2009.

THE GOOD NEWS

Most chronic diseases can be prevented or effectively managed. Physical inactivity, poor eating habits, tobacco use, and unmanaged stress are the major chronic disease risk factors and they can be reduced by lifestyle changes.

Have you taken your HRA yet?

DHHS encourages all NC State Health Plan members to take the Health Risk Assessment provided by NC HealthSmart. Taking the HRA yearly will help you set and achieve your personal health goals.

The on-line HRA takes only fifteen minutes and you will receive the following information immediately:

• An individual assessment of your health risks.
• A personal health plan
• Information on resources to help you meet the goals of your personal health plan.

Go to www.statehealthplan.state.nc.us and click on the NC HealthSmart tab, then click on register now. If you do not have internet access, call 1-800-817-7044.
Individual survey information is strictly confidential and not shared with the NC State Health Plan or anyone in state government.

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Last Modified: July 12, 2006