As with all other things, we believe that we need to know where we are, where we have come from and how we got here to know where we should go next.
 
Before we embark on another journey together this year, let’s take a walk down memory lane of all things wellness from 2017.
 
We started last year talking about why to bother with wellness programs, as well as what you need to know before you get started and, of course, the employer benefits. We reviewed what it means to be a dietitian and a licensed nutritionist, some of the research, and a couple of best practices. We described our vision for you and your health. And then we rounded out the series discussing how to utilize employee feedback to shape sustainable programs and where to look for partnerships and resources that can make worksite wellness effortless at your organization.
 

Why Should We Bother With Wellness Programs?

• We spend half of our waking lives at work.
• We are a product of the people we surround ourselves with the most.
• Stress is killing us.

Laying The Groundwork For Wellness Programs

• Ask your employees what they want.
• Design a customized plan for your employees.
• Utilize your resources.
• Create a marketing schedule to roll out the program.

Employer Benefits

• Enhanced competitive benefits package
• Reduction in healthcare costs
• Increased productivity

What Works?

• A program is as good as its duration.
• A program is nothing without sustainability.
• A program built in an environment that doesn’t truly support wellness is the worst program of all.

All Dietitians Are Not Created Equal

• Setting the appointment
• Before your first visit
• During the appointment
• After the initial appointment

Four Elements Of A Sustainable Wellness Program

Schedule. Simplicity. Congruency. Consistency.

 
Taking It Off Your Plate (AKA What We Do For Our Partners)

• Start with a needs assessment
• Create a strategic plan
• Implementation and program management
• The Eternal Feedback Loop
• Assess, adjust, advance

As we move forward with 2018, we plan to share information that will be beneficial for both employers and individuals in the hopes of getting closer to achieving our mission and vision. Our vision is to create a shift in health-consciousness where an individual’s healthy choices come automatically and are in sync with their body’s needs. 
 
We can sit in our office all day and discuss what we see as the biggest barriers to health for our patients, but we would love to hear from you about what is preventing you from being your healthiest self. 
 
Please reach out to us at [email protected] with any burning desires of information you would like us to cover this year. Cheers to health and happiness in 2018!

Laura Greenhow is the founder of Summerfield Custom Wellness, a Wilmington-based nutrition firm counseling employees toward a shift in health-consciousness.She and her team facilitate programs wherein healthy choices begin to come automatically and are aligned with what the body needs.They see individuals and also work with companies ranging from five to 5,000 employees as they strive for a healthier workforce and a healthier Wilmington.Laura holds a master’s degree in Public Health from UNC-Chapel Hill, with clinical rotations that included New Hanover Regional Medical Center. Learn more at www.summerfieldcustomwellness.com or call (910) 663-5166.