Opening Statement:
For the past three years I’ve made a conscious effort several days a week to walk at least 1-mile and doing stretching exercises. Because of my back issues, I’m limited on what kind of exercises I can do, however I try my best to remain active and watch what I eat, be proactive on a balanced diet, and my sugar intake. Every year in the month of May, companies, and their employees from around the world celebrate this important initiative regarding Global Employee Health and Fitness Month. An effort is made to make a point to promote the importance of fitness and a healthy diet whether you are a large corporation, non-profit, small business owner, or an employee. It is a known fact that healthy leaders and their employees are certain to be more energetic, productive, and happy!
History Of Global Employee Health and Fitness Month
· Health and fitness are essential for every human being on the planet since it has numerous benefits that can lead to enhancing one’s quality of life. However, as we grow older, people tend to lose themselves in their work routines and a consistent exercise regime takes a backseat. Global Employee Health and Fitness Month was launched in 1989 by the National Association for Health and Fitness. This nonprofit association, which was founded in 1979, has been on a mission to improve the health of Americans since its formation and has come up with numerous ideas to encourage a healthy lifestyle. One of these projects includes the Global Employee Health and Fitness Month, an award-winning worksite health promotion program.
· Currently, the Global Employee Health and Fitness Month has become an international observation that encourages health and fitness at the workplace and looks at the advantages of a healthy workforce. Due to the observation of this month, thousands of employees are leading healthy lives and countless employers have adopted practices that focus on employee health.
· The role of employers is more crucial than ever during this month since they are the ones who create different initiatives that not only spread awareness regarding how essential good health is but also urge their employees to participate in projects and activities that have physical and mental health benefits. Universities, local governments, hospitals, and health departments also play a great role in the successful celebration of this month.
Global Employee Health and Fitness Month Timeline
· 600 B.C. - The Ancient Greek Athletes
o Exercise is introduced to increase strength, speed, and endurance
· 19th Century - The Father of Modern Bodybuilding
o Eugen Sandow showcases his muscles and well-built physique to an audience
· 1949 - Importance of Exercise-
o The epidemiologist Jerry Morris introduces a link between cardiovascular health and exercise
· 1968 - Kick-Starting Aerobics
o Kenneth Cooper publishes a book on Aerobics
How To Observe Global Employee Health and Fitness Month
1. Arrange a yoga session at your workplace
a. Arrange a calorie-burning, hour-long yoga session for everyone at your workplace. An introduction to yoga might get some people interested in joining a yoga class later
2. Invite a nutritionist to the office
a. Are we eating right? Only a nutritionist can provide the right answers. Hire one to have a session with all the employees so they are motivated to start a healthy diet
3. Host an event flooded with physical activities
a. This event could include running, weightlifting, a planking competition, etc. The aim is to get everyone active
5 Fun Facts About Health and Fitness
1. Magic tea
a. Tea lowers the risk of various illnesses including diabetes, heart attacks, and Parkinson’s
2. No need for clothes
a. Sleeping naked boosts your metabolism and burns more calories
3. Water increases life span
a. Five glasses of water a day reduces the risk of a heart attack by 40%
4. Those who need to diet
a. There are 39% overweight adults worldwide
5. More than any other nation
a. The U.S. spends nearly three times more on healthcare
Why Global Employee Health and Fitness Month Is Important
· Healthy employees are more productive
o Healthy employees are more productive as their workout regime and healthy diet enable heightened mental activity. This is because exercise releases chemicals that are beneficial for the brain
· Healthy and fit employees are less stressed
o Exercising increases blood flow and reduces stress. Try working out after a strenuous day at the office and you will wake up feeling fresh the next day
· Employees become energetic and motivated
o Since exercise and healthy food provide energy, fit employees are more likely to be motivated to take on new projects and follow through on them with the utmost dedication
Closing Statement:
While doing my research for this article, I read one effective idea for healthy and productive employees is the walking meeting. It is a great idea for small team meetings because walking meetings avoid the conference room and takes your meeting on the move. By moving both your body and your mind all are engaged in the process, enhancing creativity, and problem-solving skills while preventing the mental cloud that comes from sitting under florescent lights all day, stuck behind your computer, and if working from home can get you out of the house while staying productive. There is no reason why you can’t dial into your meeting and participate in various online meetings while taking a healthy walk and getting fresh air. All you need to do is put on your headphones, bring your water bottle, or your cup of coffee. Make a goal for walking meetings each week. Replace weekly status updates with supervisors with a walking meeting and build up to more frequent strolls. Another great suggestion I found was, if employees spend a lot of time on the phone to encourage everyone to walk in place or walk around their offices while on the phone by using their speaker feature or wireless headset. If you have mobility issues you can remain active by seeking the advice of your healthcare professional and/or health aide to help you find suitable exercises to do. You can also participate in outdoor meetings.
Source of Information: Various Google Searches and Personal Experience
Until Next Week, Stay Safe and Well!
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