September-Physical activity
Employer E-mail:
Hello!
This September is all about physical activity! Not only is physical activity a great way to enhance mood and lower blood pressure, but it can also benefit productivity levels of employees. When employees are physically active they enjoy better health and wellbeing, which translates into better work quality and output. However, overall physical activity level is heavily influenced by workplace factors. Make sure you do not hinder employees’ efforts to be active. Communicate with employees the importance of being active. Promote physical activity by allowing employees to commute to work on bicycle, public transit, or to take longer lunch breaks to go walking.If possible, negotiate gym discounts and wellness benefits with your insurance provider.
Physical Activity Resources:
- For a quick fact sheet on physical activity check out the World Health Organization’s website:
- Health insurers such as Group Health, LifeWise, and Regence BlueShield offer wellness packages and gym discounts through GlobalFit: If your insurer is not listed, talk with your health insurance representative about sponsoring the GlobalFit benefit for employees.
- Check out the King County regional trail system for a listing of walking trails nearby:
- Use the King County interactive map of bicycling routes to help employees map out their commute:
Health Savvy Tips for Employees:
Being physically active has many benefits! Itcan help you maintain body weight, lower blood pressure, control glucose levels, and improve overall mood. In addition, physical activity is good for productivity and quality of work. Physical activity is any movement of the body that uses energy, which means it doesn’t have to be in a gym to count. Aim for 30 minutes of physical activity every day. If time is an issue, split up the 30 minutes into two 15-minute or three 10-minute bouts. For the month of September, challenge yourself to find physical activities that you enjoy and can maintain easily. People of all shapes, sizes, and abilities can benefit from physical activity.
- Make a move! Physical activity can be anything you want it to be. Whether it’s walking outside, cleaning the house, gardening, pushing a stroller,dancing to your favorite song, riding your bike, moving furniture, trying a new sport, joining a gym class, or any other activity that gets your body moving.
- Walk it out! Check out the King County regional trail system for a list of walking trails in your neighborhood or close to your work. Challenge yourself to try at least one trail this month:
- Push the pedal! Use the King County interactive map of bicycle routes and map out your commute to work: