Quincy's Health, Beauty and Wellness League

Keeping a Healthy Workplace!

Because we spend so much time at work, it can have a big impact on our health. This is why it’s so important that both employees and employers take steps to create an environment that helps them eat better and move more. Although employees need to make the first move to improve their health, their efforts can be helped greatly when employers create policies and provide services that support employees' efforts.

If everyone works together, people can get healthier, be happier at work, and be more productive. Everyone wins.

"Creating a Healthy Workplace"

The Quincy Chamber of Commerce and the Quincy Health, Beauty & Wellness League present "Creating a Healthy Workplace" mini-health fair and workshop on April 6, 2011 from 6 p.m. - 8 p.m at the South Shore YMCA, 2^nd floor gymnasium.

Attendees will have the opportunity to listen to 10-15 minute "mini talks" on topics such as "Ergonomics in the Workplace", "Healthy Eating at Work", "Preventing Diabetes" and "What's Your Real Body Age".

In addition, there will be complimentary chair massage, flu shots, glucose testing, blood pressure screenings, scalp massage, yoga in the workplace demonstrations and more!

 This event is free but registration is required. To register online, visit www.thequincychamber.com.  Call the Quincy Chamber at (617) 471-1700 for more information.

Quincy businesses who are participating in the workshop/health fair include: A Healthy Balance, Brown Family Chiropractic, Crew Cutz, Fitness Factor, Harvard Vanguard Medical Associates, Lux Dental, Manet Community Health Center, Quincy Medical Center, Spa at Boncaldo's, SuperFitness, South Shore YMCA.

Healthy Workplace Challenge

The Healthy Workplace Challenge was a six-week fitness and wellness program that focuses on developing a healthy lifestyle.  The program began on June 21, 2010 and ran until July 30, 2010. Stay tuned for information about the 2011 Healthy Workplace Challenge!

Workplace Wellness Program

*Majority of Text Provided by the Commonwealth of Massachusetts Mass in Motion

Want to reduce the amount of time your employees are out sick? Want to have a more productive workforce? Then consider starting a Workplace Wellness Program today.

Why Would a Workplace Wellness Program Help My Business?

Your employees spend a good part of their days working for you. When they eat better, move more, manage their stress, and steer clear of tobacco, they become healthier, happier and more productive. When you implement a Workplace Wellness Program, you provide support that makes it easier for your employees to change their behaviors and make healthier choices.

What Can a Workplace Wellness Program Do for My Business?

A healthier workforce benefits both employers and employees. There is growing evidence that Workplace Wellness Programs not only improve individual employee health. They also:

• reduce sick leave
• reduce healthcare costs
• reduce workers' compensation
• produce nearly a $6-to-$1 return on investment

 Why Is It Important to Eat Better and Move More at Work?

Most of us spend a lot of time at work, so if we want to eat better and move more in general, we need to figure out how to do it at work. There are 3 simple things you can do. Healthy meetings at work

Eat More Fruits and Vegetables. Eat Less Food High In Fat and Sugar

• Bring your lunch to work instead of eating out- it will be healthier and you'll save money.
• Put extra lettuce, tomato and other veggies on sandwiches. If you’re eating out, ask for those extra veggies.
• Pack a zip lock bag of cut up fruits or vegetables such as carrot, celery or cucumber sticks, or snack on raisins or other dried fruit instead of candy or potato chips.
• If your worksite has a vending machine, chose healthy options such as non-fat yogurt; milk and cereal, string cheese sticks, fruit and vegetables or baked veggie chips or 100 calorie snack packs, instead of potato chips.
• If your worksite has a cafeteria, check the menu board or the menu for healthy options such as grilled lean meats, rice and beans, vegetable soups, non-fat milk, fruit and or vegetables, vegetable salads with low or non-fat dressings.
• When you do eat out, limit how often you eat fast food, or try healthier options such as salads with grilled fish, chicken, tofu, grilled kabobs or tabouli and hummus in a pita pocket Try asking for substitutes of a salad or carrot sticks instead of french fries.
• Eat a piece of fruit instead of a sugary dessert. Try berries, peaches, melons and oranges.
• Bring fresh fruit and vegetable dishes to office parties and potlucks.
• Swap healthy recipes with your coworkers.

Find Ways to Be More Active

• Go for a walk during breaks or at lunch.
• Start at walking club with your coworkers.
• Take the stairs instead of the elevator.
• Walk or ride your bike to work if possible.
• If you drive, park further away from the entrance.
• If you take the bus, get off and walk the last few blocks.

Find Out if Your Employer Has a Workplace Wellness Program

• If your employer doesn’t have a Worksite Wellness Program, ask them to start one.
• Ask if your employer offers exercise options like yoga, dance or walking clubs.
• If you are planning an event offer access to healthy foods.
• Talk to your employer about arranging to stock healthy choices in vending machines, concession stands, and at on-site cafeterias.
• Talk with your employer about arranging for a Weight Watchers at Work program on-site for employees interested in losing weight.
• Work with your employer to partner with local gyms to offer subsidized membership to off-site physical activity facilities.
• Work with your co-workers to promote walking meetings or physical activity breaks during meetings.
• Start an employee walking program

Eating Better at Work

Download the guide