Health and Wellness Tips

Regular blood pressure monitoring is an important part of maintaining heart health. Blood pressure readings consist of two numbers: systolic pressure (top number) and diastolic pressure (bottom number). These readings help determine your blood pressure category and overall cardiovascular risk.

Category	Systolic (mmHg)	Diastolic (mmHg)
Normal	< 120	< 80
Prehypertension	120 - 129	< 80
Stage 1 Hypertension	130 - 139	80 - 89
Stage 2 Hypertension	140 or higher	90 or higher

Understanding your blood pressure numbers can help you take proactive steps toward better health. If your readings are elevated, consult with your healthcare provider about lifestyle changes and treatment options.

Blood pressure is the force of blood against the walls of the arteries. When blood pressure remains elevated over time, it is known as high blood pressure, or hypertension.

High blood pressure is a serious health condition that can cause the heart to work harder than normal and increase the risk of heart disease, stroke, kidney disease, heart failure and vision loss.

A blood pressure reading of 130/80 mmHg or higher is considered high. Readings between 120/<80 mmHg and 129/<80 mmHg are considered prehypertension, indicating an increased risk of developing high blood pressure in the future.

Adopting a healthy lifestyle, including regular physical activity, healthy eating and weight management, can help prevent or delay the onset of high blood pressure.

Both numbers in a blood pressure reading are important, but for adults age 50 and older, the systolic pressure (the top number) is often the most significant indicator of high blood pressure risk.

Diastolic blood pressure is the force of blood in the arteries as the heart relaxes between beats. It is represented by the bottom number in a blood pressure reading.

Diastolic pressure is an important indicator of cardiovascular health, particularly in younger adults. Higher diastolic blood pressure levels are associated with an increased risk of heart attack, stroke and kidney disease.

As people age, diastolic pressure often decreases while systolic pressure (the top number) tends to rise and becomes a more significant predictor of health risks. Both systolic and diastolic measurements are used by healthcare providers to determine blood pressure categories and appropriate prevention or treatment strategies.

The Joint National Committee on Prevention, Detection, Evaluation, and Treatment of High Blood Pressure recommends blood pressure screening at least every two years for individuals with normal readings and more frequent monitoring for those with elevated blood pressure levels.

Systolic blood pressure is the force of blood against the artery walls when the heart beats. It is represented by the top number in a blood pressure reading. A systolic reading of 130 mmHg or higher is considered high blood pressure.

Sometimes systolic pressure is elevated while diastolic pressure remains normal. This condition is known as Isolated Systolic Hypertension (ISH), the most common form of high blood pressure among older adults.

Is ISH Common?

Yes. Systolic blood pressure tends to increase with age, while diastolic pressure often decreases after age 55. Approximately 65% of adults over age 60 with hypertension have ISH. Like other forms of high blood pressure, ISH often has no symptoms, making regular blood pressure screenings important.

Is ISH Dangerous?

Yes. If left untreated, high systolic blood pressure can increase the risk of stroke, heart attack, congestive heart failure, kidney damage, vision loss and other serious health conditions. Although ISH cannot be cured, it can be effectively managed through treatment and lifestyle changes.

Treatment Options

Treatment for ISH is similar to treatment for other forms of high blood pressure and may include lifestyle modifications, medications or a combination of both. The goal is to maintain a blood pressure below 120/80 mmHg. Your healthcare provider can help determine the most appropriate treatment plan based on your individual needs.

Cholesterol screening helps assess your risk for heart disease and stroke. A single cholesterol measurement does not establish or exclude a diagnosis of high cholesterol, but it can help identify individuals who may benefit from additional evaluation and treatment.

Total Cholesterol

Level	Interpretation
Below 200 mg/dL	Desirable
200–239 mg/dL	Borderline High
240 mg/dL or greater	High

HDL Cholesterol (Good Cholesterol)

Level	Interpretation
40 mg/dL and above	Desirable
39 mg/dL or lower	Low HDL

LDL Cholesterol (Bad Cholesterol)

Level	Interpretation
Less than 100 mg/dL	Optimal
100–129 mg/dL	Near Optimal / Above Optimal
130–159 mg/dL	Borderline High
160–189 mg/dL	High
190 mg/dL and above	Very High

Note: These cholesterol categories apply to adults age 20 and older and are based on nationally recognized guidelines.

Cholesterol screening helps assess your risk for heart disease and stroke. A single cholesterol measurement does not establish or exclude a diagnosis of high cholesterol, but it can help identify individuals who may benefit from additional evaluation and treatment.

Total Cholesterol

• Below 200 mg/dL: Desirable
• 200–239 mg/dL: Borderline High
• 240 mg/dL or greater: High

HDL Cholesterol (Good Cholesterol)

• 40 mg/dL and above: Desirable
• 39 mg/dL or lower: Low HDL

LDL Cholesterol (Bad Cholesterol)

• Less than 100 mg/dL: Optimal
• 100–129 mg/dL: Near Optimal / Above Optimal
• 130–159 mg/dL: Borderline High
• 160–189 mg/dL: High
• 190 mg/dL and above: Very High

Note: These cholesterol categories apply to adults age 20 and older and follow nationally recognized guidelines.

In addition to cholesterol levels, several other factors can increase the risk of developing coronary heart disease (CHD), heart attack and stroke.

Common Risk Factors

• High blood pressure (130/80 mmHg or higher)
• Use of hypertension medication
• Family history of premature coronary heart disease (CHD)
• Cigarette smoking
• Diabetes
• High-fat or unhealthy diet
• Lack of regular physical activity

Managing these risk factors through healthy lifestyle choices, preventive care and regular health screenings can help reduce the risk of cardiovascular disease and improve overall health.

Healthy eating habits and regular physical activity are the first line of defense against high LDL ("bad") cholesterol. Making smart food choices can help lower cholesterol levels and improve overall health.

Tips for Lowering Cholesterol

• Choose a healthy diet low in saturated fats and trans fats.
• Use lower-fat dairy products and cheeses instead of full-fat versions.
• Trim visible fat from meats before cooking.
• Cook with heart-healthy oils such as canola, olive or peanut oil.
• Include high-fiber foods such as whole grains, oatmeal, fruits and vegetables.
• Limit sugary beverages and foods, including soft drinks and other sweetened drinks.
• Limit alcohol consumption to no more than one drink per day.
• Incorporate Omega-3-rich foods such as salmon, fish oil and flaxseed.
• Avoid overeating and be mindful of portion sizes, especially when dining out.

Regular physical activity is also an effective way to improve cholesterol levels and support heart health. Aim for consistent exercise as part of a healthy lifestyle.

If lifestyle changes alone do not adequately reduce LDL cholesterol levels, your healthcare provider may recommend cholesterol-lowering medication as part of your treatment plan.

Sleep is a physical and mental resting state in which a person becomes relatively inactive and less aware of their surroundings. During sleep, the body recovers, restores energy and supports overall health and well-being.

Normal sleep is characterized by decreases in body temperature, blood pressure, breathing rate and many other bodily functions. However, the brain remains highly active throughout the sleep cycle, performing important functions related to memory, learning and overall health.

During a typical eight-hour sleep period, adults cycle between two distinct stages of sleep:

• Non-REM Sleep: A restorative stage that helps the body repair tissues, build bone and muscle, and strengthen the immune system.
• REM (Rapid Eye Movement) Sleep: A stage associated with dreaming, memory consolidation and brain function.

Both Non-REM and REM sleep are essential for physical health, mental performance and emotional well-being. Consistently getting adequate, quality sleep is an important part of maintaining a healthy lifestyle.

Sleep is made up of two distinct states: Non-REM (Non-Rapid Eye Movement) sleep and REM (Rapid Eye Movement) sleep. These stages alternate in cycles lasting approximately 90 to 110 minutes throughout the night.

A typical night of sleep includes four to five complete sleep cycles. As you fall asleep, you enter Stage 1, followed by progressively deeper stages of Non-REM sleep. After reaching the deepest stages, the body moves back through lighter stages before entering REM sleep.

The sleep cycle can be compared to traveling up and down a staircase, with the body moving through different stages of sleep before repeating the process several times each night.

• Stage 1: Light sleep and transition from wakefulness
• Stage 2: True sleep begins
• Stages 3 and 4: Deep, restorative sleep
• REM Sleep: Dreaming, memory processing and brain activity

This five-stage cycle repeats approximately four to five times during a normal night of sleep, helping the body recover physically while supporting cognitive function, learning and memory.

Most adults need between six and eight hours of sleep per night, although individual sleep requirements can vary. Sleep accounts for approximately one-third of our lives and plays a critical role in maintaining physical and mental health.

Some individuals naturally function well with less sleep, while others require more. Experts often suggest that your ideal amount of sleep is the amount needed to wake feeling refreshed, well-rested and able to remain alert throughout the day.

Contrary to popular belief, the amount of sleep a person needs does not necessarily decrease with age. Instead, sleep patterns and sleep quality tend to change over time.

• Infants: Spend approximately 50% of sleep time in REM sleep, which supports growth and development.
• Adults: Spend about 20% of sleep time in REM sleep.
• Older Adults: Typically spend less time in REM sleep and more time in lighter stages of sleep, which can lead to more frequent awakenings.

Establishing healthy sleep habits and getting enough quality sleep each night can improve energy levels, concentration, mood and overall health.

Sleep is an essential part of overall health and well-being. While researchers continue to study the exact purpose of sleep, two primary theories help explain why it is so important.

Restorative Theory

Sleep allows the body and mind to recover, recharge and restore. During sleep, the brain performs important tasks such as organizing memories, processing new information and supporting tissue and cellular repair. Sleep provides an opportunity for both physical recovery and mental rejuvenation.

Adaptive Theory

Sleep may have evolved as a protective survival mechanism. Historically, being active during daylight hours and resting at night improved safety and energy conservation. This pattern is observed throughout much of the animal kingdom and continues to support healthy functioning in humans.

The amount and quality of sleep a person receives can directly affect energy levels, concentration, mood, productivity and overall health. Consistent, quality sleep is an important component of a healthy lifestyle.

In today’s fast-paced, around-the-clock society, sleep deprivation has become increasingly common. It is estimated that nearly half of all adults in the United States do not get enough sleep, often due to longer work hours, busy schedules and extended commute times.

Lack of sleep can negatively affect concentration, judgment, reaction time, productivity and overall health. Fatigue has been linked to many accidents and human errors, highlighting the importance of getting adequate rest.

One of the most serious consequences of sleep deprivation is drowsy driving. Studies suggest that approximately one-third of drivers will fall asleep behind the wheel at least once during their lifetime. Drowsy driving contributes to thousands of accidents, injuries and fatalities each year.

Sleep deprivation can also impact workplace performance, increase the risk of accidents, and affect the safety of individuals operating vehicles, aircraft, trains and other equipment.

Prioritizing healthy sleep habits is essential for maintaining alertness, improving productivity and protecting both personal and public safety.

Sleep debt occurs when a person consistently gets less sleep than their body requires. Over time, missed sleep accumulates and can affect energy levels, concentration, mood and overall health.

Sleep debt commonly affects students, shift workers, healthcare professionals, busy executives, new parents and others with demanding schedules. Unlike occasional tiredness, sleep debt builds over time and does not simply disappear on its own.

The good news is that sleep debt can be repaid. Getting additional sleep beyond your normal routine can help restore alertness and improve physical and mental performance. This may involve going to bed earlier, sleeping later or incorporating additional rest when needed.

The body naturally responds to a lack of sleep through increased daytime drowsiness and a stronger desire to sleep. These signals help encourage recovery and remind us of the importance of meeting our individual sleep needs.

Consistently getting adequate sleep is one of the most effective ways to support overall health, productivity and quality of life.

The timing of sleep is largely controlled by our circadian rhythm, often referred to as the body's biological clock. Circadian rhythms operate on an approximately 24-hour cycle and help regulate sleep, wakefulness, body temperature and hormone production.

Small structures in the brain called the suprachiasmatic nuclei (SCN) coordinate these rhythms. The SCN is highly responsive to light, which is why exposure to daylight helps promote alertness and nighttime darkness encourages sleep.

Most people experience two natural periods of increased sleepiness each day: one during the night and another in the mid-afternoon. This afternoon decline in alertness, sometimes called the post-lunch dip, is associated with normal fluctuations in body temperature and circadian rhythms.

Sleep is also influenced by a process known as sleep homeostasis. The longer a person remains awake, the greater the body's need for sleep becomes. Sleeping helps restore balance and reverse the effects of accumulated sleepiness.

Together, circadian rhythms and sleep homeostasis work to regulate when we feel awake, alert and ready for sleep, helping maintain healthy sleep patterns and overall well-being.

For many people, weight loss is an ongoing challenge. While it is often possible to lose weight in the short term, maintaining that weight loss over time can be much more difficult.

Many fad diets produce temporary results because they focus on quick fixes rather than sustainable lifestyle changes. Successful, long-term weight management requires a comprehensive approach that addresses nutrition, physical activity, behavior and healthy habits.

Research has shown that individuals who achieve and maintain weight loss are more likely to adopt realistic goals, make gradual lifestyle changes, stay physically active and develop consistent eating patterns.

Lasting weight management is not about following a temporary diet—it is about creating healthy behaviors that can be maintained over the long term. By focusing on sustainable habits, individuals can improve their chances of achieving permanent weight loss and better overall health.

Excercise

Stay Focused on Being Healthy, Not Thin

Eat Smaller Portions

Get Mental Health Support

Go Slowly

There are many different approaches to weight loss, from high-protein diets to low-carbohydrate plans and other specialized eating programs. While diet trends may come and go, the most successful weight management strategies typically share a common foundation: eating a balanced diet, reducing excess calories and staying physically active.

Understanding nutrition is an important first step. Reading food labels can help you identify hidden sources of fat, sugar and calories in packaged and prepared foods, allowing you to make more informed choices.

Successful weight loss does not require eliminating all of your favorite foods. Moderation and balance are key. Enjoying occasional treats while maintaining healthy eating habits can help make a weight management plan more sustainable over the long term.

Regular physical activity is also an important part of a healthy lifestyle. Exercise can help support weight loss, improve cardiovascular health and increase overall well-being. The best exercise program is one that fits your lifestyle and can be maintained consistently.

Long-term success is most often achieved through lasting lifestyle changes rather than short-term diets. The closer a healthy eating plan is to your normal routine, the more likely you are to maintain healthy habits and sustain weight loss over time.

Healthy eating does not have to be boring. While apples are a nutritious choice, there is a world of colorful fruits and vegetables to explore. Trying new foods can add variety, flavor and enjoyment to a healthy eating plan.

Have you ever tasted a persimmon, star fruit or parsnip? Expanding your menu with a variety of fruits and vegetables can help you discover new favorites while providing important vitamins, minerals and fiber.

Current dietary guidelines recommend that adults consume:

• 1½ to 2 cups of fruit each day
• 2½ to 3 cups of vegetables each day

Unfortunately, many Americans fall short of these recommendations. Adding more fruits and vegetables to meals and snacks is a simple way to improve nutrition, support healthy weight management and promote overall wellness.

Make healthy eating an adventure by trying a new fruit or vegetable each week and discovering new ways to enjoy nutritious foods.

Healthy eating begins at the grocery store. Making thoughtful food choices while shopping can help you build healthier eating habits and make nutritious options more convenient.

Stock up on fresh, seasonal fruits and vegetables whenever possible. Seasonal produce is often more flavorful, nutritious and affordable.

Once you bring healthy foods home, make them easy to see and access. Display fresh fruit in a bowl on the kitchen table or counter, and store washed, cut vegetables and fruit in ready-to-eat containers in the refrigerator.

When healthy choices are visible and convenient, you are more likely to reach for them when hunger strikes, making it easier to maintain a balanced and nutritious diet.

If you are looking for additional support with weight management, nutrition, healthy lifestyle changes or medical weight loss options, the following resources may be helpful:

• Johnson Memorial Health – Obesity Management
  Personalized, evidence-based weight management support including nutrition counseling, lifestyle modification, medical treatment options and long-term wellness planning. :contentReference[oaicite:0]{index=0}
• Mayo Clinic – Weight Loss Medications
  Educational information about prescription weight loss medications, how they work, potential benefits and important considerations when discussing treatment options with your healthcare provider.

Always consult your healthcare provider before starting a weight loss program, medication or major dietary change.

Weight management involves more than simply following a diet. While making healthier food choices is an important step, maintaining those changes over time can be challenging.

One of the most effective and sustainable strategies for long-term weight control combines healthy eating with regular physical activity. Together, these habits can help improve weight management, increase energy levels and support overall health.

Exercise not only helps burn calories but also contributes to stronger muscles, improved cardiovascular health and enhanced well-being. When paired with a balanced diet, physical activity can make it easier to achieve and maintain a healthy weight.

The formula is simple:

• Eat a balanced, nutritious diet.
• Be physically active on a regular basis.

By combining healthy eating habits with regular exercise, you can build a lifestyle that supports lasting weight management and better overall health.

Regular physical activity is an important part of a healthy lifestyle. If you are under age 35 and in generally good health, you can often begin a moderate exercise program by starting slowly, warming up properly and gradually increasing your activity level.

If you are over age 35, significantly overweight, physically inactive, a smoker or planning to begin a strenuous exercise or weight-training program, it is a good idea to consult your healthcare provider before getting started.

Consult your doctor before beginning an exercise program if you have any of the following:

• High blood pressure
• Heart disease or heart-related concerns
• Diabetes
• A family history of heart attack or stroke
• Frequent dizziness
• Shortness of breath with minor exertion
• Arthritis or other bone or joint problems
• Muscle, ligament or tendon injuries
• Back problems or other known medical conditions

Your healthcare provider may recommend additional evaluation, such as an exercise stress test, to help determine the safest and most effective activity level for you. Based on your results, a personalized exercise plan can be developed to support your health and fitness goals.

Taking the time to ensure you are exercising safely can help reduce the risk of injury and improve your chances of long-term success.

Choosing the right exercise program is an important step toward improving your health, fitness and overall well-being. The best exercise program is one that fits your lifestyle and can be maintained consistently over time.

Before selecting a program, consider your schedule, interests, fitness level and personal goals. If an exercise routine does not fit naturally into your daily life, it may be difficult to maintain long-term. Consistency is one of the most important factors in achieving lasting health and weight management results.

Think of your exercise plan as a flexible combination of activities that can be adjusted to meet your needs, preferences and energy levels. Variety can help keep exercise enjoyable and prevent boredom.

A well-rounded fitness program should include:

• Aerobic Exercise – Activities such as walking, jogging, cycling or swimming that improve heart and lung health.
• Strength Training – Exercises that build and maintain muscle strength and support healthy metabolism.
• Stretching and Flexibility – Activities that improve mobility, reduce stiffness and help prevent injury.

Many activities combine multiple fitness components, and adding variety can make exercise more enjoyable. The key is finding activities you enjoy and can make a regular part of your lifestyle.

Remember, the most effective exercise program is not necessarily the most intense—it is the one you can stick with consistently.

Finding time to exercise does not always require a dedicated workout session. Small changes throughout the day can increase your activity level and contribute to better health and fitness.

Try these simple ways to add more movement to your daily routine:

• Get off the bus or public transportation a stop early and walk the rest of the way.
• Take the stairs instead of the elevator whenever possible.
• Park farther away from store entrances and walk.
• Visit coworkers in person instead of calling or emailing.
• Walk to work or include walking as part of your commute.
• Walk to pick up lunch instead of ordering delivery.
• Choose standing or walking over sitting whenever possible.
• Use part of your lunch break for walking or stretching.
• Stay active by doing your own household and yard work.
• Gradually increase your activity by walking farther and at a faster pace.

Small amounts of activity performed consistently throughout the day can add up to significant health benefits. Look for opportunities to move more and sit less whenever possible.

Regular exercise is an important part of a healthy lifestyle, but it is equally important to recognize when your body may be signaling that you need to slow down or stop. The appropriate amount of exercise varies based on your age, fitness level and overall health.

During aerobic activity, it is normal to feel warm, sweat and breathe more heavily. However, exercise should not cause severe discomfort, dizziness or pain.

If you experience mild symptoms such as dizziness, nausea or sharp pain during exercise, stop and rest. If symptoms persist, consult your healthcare provider before resuming activity.

Stop exercising immediately and seek medical advice if you experience:

• Faintness or feeling like you may pass out
• Shortness of breath that is unusual or severe
• Pressure, pain or discomfort in the chest
• Very rapid, very slow or irregular heartbeats
• Excessive fatigue
• Severe joint, muscle or tendon pain

Listening to your body and exercising safely can help prevent injury and ensure that physical activity remains a positive part of your overall wellness plan.

The following websites provide helpful information on health, wellness, nutrition, medications and healthy lifestyle management:

• Johnson Memorial Health Information Library
  Access a variety of trusted health and wellness resources, educational materials and health-related information.
• Free Dieting Calorie Calculator
  Estimate daily calorie needs based on age, activity level, weight goals and lifestyle factors.
• Dr. Paul Health Resources
  Health education articles and information on wellness, nutrition and healthy living.
• PDR.net
  Prescription drug information, medication guides and healthcare resources.
• MyHealthfinder
  Personalized preventive health recommendations and wellness guidance from the U.S. Office of Disease Prevention and Health Promotion.

These resources can help support informed healthcare decisions and promote healthy lifestyle habits.

A comprehensive wellness program engages all employees, addresses major health risks, offers a variety of wellness options and supports both individual health and the overall work environment. Successful programs provide ongoing support and follow-up throughout an employee's tenure.

Research has shown that comprehensive wellness programs can improve employee health, increase participation and support long-term organizational wellness goals. Effective programs are built around three key components: planning, implementation and evaluation.

Planning

• Conduct a needs assessment
• Establish a wellness committee
• Select wellness providers and resources
• Set goals and objectives
• Develop marketing and communication strategies
• Ensure confidentiality and privacy procedures are in place

Implementation

• Health screening and referral services
• Employee follow-up and counseling
• Coordination with healthcare providers
• Health improvement and wellness programs
• Worksite-wide wellness activities and initiatives

Evaluation

Regular evaluation helps determine whether the program is meeting its goals and identifies opportunities for improvement. Measuring outcomes can demonstrate success, justify program costs and provide valuable information to leadership for continued support and growth.

Effective wellness programs attempt to create healthy workplace climates. A healthy workplace climate is one that encourages teamwork, cooperation, and empowerment of the individual.

People have a sense of community, a shared vision, and a positive outlook. Policies promote and support wellness efforts within the workplace.

• Identify ways that company policies and organizational traditions encourage wellness.
• Work at the group and organizational level to build support for healthy lifestyle choices.
• Set clear target goals and objectives for the health improvement of the worksite.

The most common screening performed in worksite wellness programs is heart health.

The screening can include a written heart health test; blood pressure measurement; cholesterol/HDL-cholesterol test; glucose (blood sugar); weight; and educational materials specific to diet, nutrition, exercise, cholesterol, smoking, and weight management.

The health professional conducting the screening then provides a consultation and helps set goals with the participant.

When staffing your wellness program, you need to consider whether to hire wellness staff or contract with wellness professionals from outside your organization. Small and medium-sized worksites do not usually have a wellness professional on staff.

If your worksite falls into this category, you will likely need to contract with providers outside your company. Large organizations have more flexibility and may hire dedicated wellness staff, contract with outside wellness providers, or use a combination of internal staff and external resources.

When selecting a provider, key questions regarding staff qualifications, program structure, implementation processes and program effectiveness should be carefully evaluated.

Incentives can be used to increase participation rates, encourage attendance and program completion, and help individuals adopt or maintain healthy behaviors. The goal is to motivate employees to make positive lifestyle choices while recognizing their efforts and achievements.

Effective incentive programs focus on attainable goals rather than rewarding only the "best" or "most" participation. Recognition, acknowledgment from management and special privileges are examples of valuable non-monetary incentives.

Incentive Ideas

Free or Low-Cost

• Certificates
• Movie passes
• Recognition in employee newsletters
• Mugs
• Water bottles
• Commendations from management
• T-shirts
• Hats

Moderate Cost

• Entertainment tickets
• Sweatshirts
• Waist packs
• Subscriptions to health magazines
• Health and fitness books
• Videos

High Cost

• Weekend getaways
• Dinner for two
• Clocks
• Watches

Other Incentives

• Cash
• Gift certificates

Health screening is the backbone of workplace wellness programming and is often the first major activity implemented when launching a wellness program. Many organizations combine health screenings with a Health Risk Assessment (HRA) to better understand employee health needs.

The most effective screenings are conducted privately by trained health professionals who assess participants individually. Typical screenings include a brief health history, blood pressure measurement and cholesterol testing, with results available quickly through computerized analyzers.

Participants receive immediate feedback, consultation and educational materials. Individuals identified as being at-risk may be referred for follow-up appointments and appropriate health improvement programs based on their interests and health risks.

Health screenings can be offered annually to help monitor employee health trends and evaluate the effectiveness of workplace wellness initiatives.

Successful screening programs provide multiple opportunities for participation across all work shifts and are conducted in visible, accessible locations. When well planned and promoted, participation rates can range from 60% to 100%, helping build support for future wellness programming.

Health risk screening programs should be conducted on a one-on-one basis by trained healthcare professionals. These screenings help identify health risks, provide education and referrals, and support employee wellness initiatives.

Typical screening measures may include:

• Blood pressure measurements and treatment status
• Total cholesterol and HDL cholesterol testing
• Cholesterol treatment status
• Body Mass Index (BMI) and obesity assessment
• Smoking status and tobacco use history
• Exercise habits and physical activity levels
• Diabetes screening and glucose testing
• History of stroke or peripheral vascular disease
• Family history of cardiovascular disease
• Coronary heart disease history
• Stress assessment

Screening programs may also include participant release forms, interest surveys, health education, individualized risk reviews, and referrals for diagnosis or treatment when elevated health risks are identified.

Demographic and employment information may be collected to support program administration, reporting, and follow-up activities.

When evaluating a wellness program vendor, it is important to understand the program’s experience, effectiveness and ability to meet the needs of your workforce.

Consider asking the following questions:

• How many worksites have implemented the program?
• What types of employee populations have participated?
• What educational materials are provided?
• Will the program meet the needs of our employees?
• What techniques are used to encourage behavior change?
• How is the program marketed to employees?
• What follow-up services are available?
• How are referrals made for medical care or supportive services?
• How is program effectiveness measured?
• How is participant satisfaction evaluated?

Successful wellness programs are led by qualified professionals with expertise in wellness programming, health promotion, planning, administration, evaluation and workplace engagement.

Program providers should maintain quality assurance processes to evaluate service effectiveness, measure participant satisfaction and support ongoing staff training and professional development.

Organizations should also ensure that wellness programs include clear policies regarding:

• Confidentiality and protection of health information
• Referral procedures for at-risk participants
• Follow-up support for participants requiring additional care
• Program evaluation and outcome measurement
• Promotion of workplace wellness and positive organizational culture
• Clearly defined service agreements or contracts

A well-designed wellness program should support both individual health improvement and long-term organizational wellness goals.