Preventing Chronic Disease Utilizing Worksite Wellness with Employees in a School System

Objective:To implement a voluntary comprehensive worksite wellness program, using the Northern Worksite Wellness Association (NWWA) model, in a public school system to establish baseline health data and design interventions aimed at improving health by targeting modifiable risk factors. 

Methods:NWWA model ·        obtaining senior management support, ·        organizing wellness teams, ·        collecting data, ·        designing strategic wellness plans, ·        design effective communication systems, ·        integration into the organization's values and mission, ·        links with the community, ·        evaluation of outcomes to sustain a culture of healthy behaviors. Health Risk Assessments (HRA's) and biometric measurements were collected for 3 years (cholesterol, glucose, BMI, blood pressure).  Interventions to address modifiable risk factors were designed based on HRA data.

Results:855 employees (66%) completed an HRA and/or biometric health screen. A score of >74 indicates a cholesterol, glucose and blood pressure, and BMI within normal limits, as well as good health indicators for non-smoking, aerobic exercise, safety, nutrition, and stress management.

• In 2007, 111 employees (65%) either improved or maintained their overall wellness score of 74 or higher (75 is Excellent)
• In 2008, 223 employees (70%) either improved or maintained their overall wellness score of 74 or higher

Conclusion:A comprehensive worksite wellness program can identify undiagnosed hypertension, hyperlipidemia, and diabetes.  Treating chronic diseases, including diabetes, in the early stages can decrease or eliminate complications.