The menu approach offers workers a range of options to support lifestyle changes. It authorizes individuals to choose the kind of help that suits their schedules and preferences.
The four basic kinds of health promotion programs include –
• Classes
• Minigroups
• Guided self help
• Individual counseling
Classes
Classes (8 or more) can be an effective means of providing education and social support for behavior change. The length of a class can vary depending on topic requirements. It isn’t sufficient to offer only courses at a worksite.
Many staff members are under time constraints with after work commitments and although they may be interested they simply cannot participate because of their schedules.
Staff Members might be very eager to begin a health promotion program but because of lack of participants to meet class quotas, the health promotion program is canceled.
Many national businesses such as the American Heart Association, American Cancer Society, Weight Watchers, etc. offer classes; you should’ve little trouble in identifying a provider for class type wellness programs.
You might want to contact your local hospital, health department, or YMCA for possible options. for picking a provider to provide a wellness program you might want to review the section on wellness program structure.
Minigroups
When there isn’t enough interest to create a class, those who are interested in a given health topic may be formed into a minigroup (2 to 7).
The minigroup can cover the same content as a class but do so in a less formal manner. Presentation of information and discussion is the major format of the minigroup.
Guided Self-Help
Most workforce do not want formal help in making health changes; they prefer to do it on their own. In guided self-help, the wellness counselors provide support, materials, and encouragement.
Meeting times could be arranged and contact could be made either in person, by phone, or computer. Materials could be made available at the worksite, or mailed to the individual. Some worksites now make information available via intranets or the Internet.
Individual Counseling
One of the most successful ways to help person change and improve their health status is counseling (or coaching) on a one-on-one basis.
In published studies, wellness programs which incorporated individual counseling as part of the wellness program process achieved significantly higher participation rates and achieved greater risk reduction/risk elimination than standard group programs. Studies have demonstrated that individual counseling is both cost effective and cost beneficial.
A wellness counselor must be trained in screening techniques, for in certain situations, they may be required to both screen person and counsel them. They ought to know how to do the following –
• Review staff member health risks
• Contact staff who’ve health risks.
• Counsel workers on a one-on-one basis, helping them set goals, solve problems, and get specialist help when they need it.
• Make sure to help workers follow their treatment recommendations and make lifestyle and health behavior changes.
• Recruit employees into wellness programs, such as weight loss and use of tobacco cessation.
• Be certain to work with staff on a one-on-one basis using guided self-help.
• Conduct classes and minigroups when necessary.
• Make sure to work with wellness committee members to plan and conduct worksite-wide wellness activities.
Health Promotion counselors are health generalists; they must have basic understanding of a broad range of health topics and health risks.
Counselors should be able to talk with employees about their medical problems and the treatments prescribed by their doctors.
They should’ve a good overview of nutrition, exercise physiology, pathophysiology of disease, pharmacology, psychology, and behavior modification skills.
