What You Need to Know About Work Site Wellness
Work site wellness refers to programs that your employer provides to help:
• Keep you safe.
• Prevent injury.
• Promote healthy habits.
WHAT DO WORK SITE WELLNESS PROGRAMS DO?
Your work site may have programs and policies that encourage wellness. Examples include programs that:
• Inform you about work site health risks and how to avoid them.
• Teach you about preventing health problems like obesity, heart disease, and type 2 diabetes.
• Make fitness classes available at work.
• Help you quit smoking.
• Have health screenings and immunization programs on site.
• Make it easier to choose healthy food options at work. This may include having a kitchen where you can prepare food and
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WHAT CAN HAPPEN IF I DO NOT PRACTICE WORK SITE WELLNESS?
Not taking advantage of work site wellness programs can put you at greater risk for work site injuries. You may also miss out on chances to improve your overall health and wellness. You may miss more days of work and be less productive. You also may enjoy your job less.
WHAT ARE SOME STEPS I CAN TAKE TO PRACTICE WORK SITE WELLNESS?
Participate in wellness programs offered at work. For example:
• If you do computer work, you may benefit by taking steps to improve your work station (ergonomics). This includes:
○ Taking frequent breaks to get up, move, and stretch.
○ Making sure your computer is positioned at the right height and distance from your body.
○ Making sure your chair supports your back and has wheels and armrests.
• If you do repetitive movements, you may benefit from programs to show you ways to reduce your risk of muscle and nerve injuries. This includes:
○ Learning to identify the symptoms of repetitive strain disorders, like carpal tunnel syndrome and tendinitis.
○ Making sure your work station allows for good posture and support.
○ Being able to take frequent breaks to stop repetitive