National Employee Health and Fitness Day

Participating Sites in Maine:

What is It?
National Employee Health & Fitness Day is the national health observance, created by the non-profit National Association for Health and Fitness to promote the benefits of regular physical activity to employees and employers through worksite health promotion activities that encourage and empower employees to be physically active.  Started in 1989, National Employee Health and Fitness Day has engaged tens of thousands of employees from employers around the world.  [top]

When is it?
The third Wednesday in May (May 17, 2006) is the official day celebrated nationally, but feel free to select a day in May that works best for your organization.  May is also National Physical Fitness and Sport Month. [top]

Why?
Worksite health and fitness programs have a proven record for improving the overall health and productivity of the workforce!  We encourage you to download and share the Wellness Councils of America's report:  Making the Case for Health Promotion:  Ten Strategies for Selling Health Promotion to Senior Management.  [top]

Benefits
Benefits for Employers: 

• Improved health care cost management

• Enhanced employee productivity

• Decreased rates of illness and injuries

• Reduced employee absenteeism

• Employee participation in program management helps develop leadership and planning skills

• Impacts worksite "social capital" (levels of trust)

Benefits for Employees:

• Lower levels of stress

• Increased well-being, self-image, and self-esteem

• Improved physical fitness

• Increased stamina

• Potential weight reduction

Benefits for the Community:

• Your community workforce is healthier and more competitive in the global market place

• Community partnerships build trust and relationships

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Event Planning
Use the following suggestions and your own creativity to plan activities that best fit the needs of your organization and participants.

1. Organize a planning team.

2. Design your event.

3. Set your timeline and stay on track.

4. Outline your promotion plan.

5. Remember: location, location, location.

6. Be inclusive.

7. Identify a Champion.

8. Use incentives to boost participation.

9. Document your success

10. Report your success.

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Activity Ideas
Any activity that encourages movement, offers a health message, is fun and anyone (no matter what their current physical activity level is) can participate in would be ideal!  Here are a few suggestions:

Bike to Work Day:  Plan a bike-to-work day and reward employees who participate.

Chair Aerobics:  With a leader and music with a strong beat, do a routine that involves their arms and legs.  Incorporate fun props or strength bands.

Employee Wellness Walk:  Map out a 30-minute walk route for employees.  Consider an indoor and outdoor route employees could use even after the event.

Fitness Trail:  Set up a "fitness trail" within your office or building.  Post signs on elevators encouraging the use of stairs, designate "stretching areas," etc.

Office Stretch/Exercise Class:  Invite a local expert to teach a class or give a demonstration how office workers can stretch or exercise at their desk to reduce stress and increase energy levels.

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Tool Kit
A NEHF Took kit is available on CD.  This CD is a guide to running a successful National Employee Health & Fitness Day celebration.  It includes tools for planning and tips to help make your celebration successful.  The CD goes for $12.95 and can be purchase by calling 1-800-822-1923 or order online at www.imprintmall.com/nehf.  Ask for item #331609.  This web site also includes numerous items that can be purchased as incentives.  [top]

Registration
Registering your site is simple, just click here to go to an online registration form.  Sites who register will be listed on our web site and in our newsletter.  By registering your site through the Maine Governor's Council, it will help us track our success in promoting this program and provide adequate data for leveraging our funding resources on a Statewide initiative.  It also allows us to provide you with technical assistance, should you require help.  If you have already registered directly with the National Association on Health and Fitness, please send us an email to let us know.  We appreciate your assistance.  If you would like to receive a copy of the NEHF Product and Resource Guide, which includes incentives you can order for your employees, please email dianec@mcd.org and include your mailing address.  [top]

11 Parkwood Drive, Augusta, Maine  04330  -  207-622-7566