Wellness vs. Fitness page 2

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Wellness vs. Fitness - Wellness is a necessity - Fitness is a luxury...Continued

The "wellness" operation needs to have very specific programming that is designed to identify at-risk employee and then motivate them through a fun and educational venue assist them in attaining a reasonable level of lifestyle modification that includes moderate and fun exercise, moderate and sustainable nutritional reform and most importantly a motivated support system.

The costs that a corporation is forced to absorb every year are directly related to their most sedentary employees who commonly are obese or morbidly obese. These individuals do not long for an exercise regimen. They need to see that the type of intervention program or campaign that is being offered has some level of fun and should have a fun sounding name to it and a campaign specific logo for onsite marketing (tee-shirts are great also).

"The costs that a corporation is forced to absorb every year are directly related to their most sedentary employees who commonly are obese or morbidly obese."

Trying to get the majority of these individuals to go to a "fitness" center is usually an exercise in futility. The easiest way to negotiate those treacherous waters is to go to the corporation with the program or campaign and not ask the employees to come to you. Administer it on-site.

The "wellness" center usually has a distinct advantage in rehabilitation prescription administration as well. If the "wellness" center is not connected with a rehab center or hospital, a proactive relationship development campaign is essential in order to align all needed components. The needed components are strong referral sources, billing capabilities and proper equipment and staffing availability.

Strong Community Health Awareness/Education Initiatives

The final component that usually identifies a true "wellness" center is strong community health awareness/education initiatives. This is best done in collaborative efforts with local groups like cancer, diabetes, arthritis and other related agencies and groups. However, the proactive "wellness" center will research the local demographics and community dynamics and create strong initiatives. It is important to remember that the highest rates of affliction in the current health disaster occur in underserved communities.

If you're a "fitness" center…stick to what you do best. Give interested fitness minded people the best value that they can get for their investment and provide strong programming to keep them involved at your facility. If you are a "wellness" center"…validate yourself and make a profound difference in your community's health and wellbeing!

About Geoff Hampton

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