Health and Wellness Leads : Worksite Health Promotion Program Ideas: National Health Observances

National health observance campaigns can lighten workload and effort. Many of these well-developed observances have kits and materials which can either be downloaded for free or purchased inexpensively. Monthly health themes, week long activities, and nationally recognized days of the year are also wonderful ways to have fun while participating in larger activities. Health observances are tied to almost every aspect of wellness and health. Things to consider:

• National observances present opportunities to work with other community agencies and employers to coordinate larger activities and celebrations.
• A wellness message is more likely to stick with people if the information is presented at work, in local grocery stores, and on television.
• National Employee Fitness Day/Week (April) is a great place to begin.
• A word of advice: do not go overboard in attempting to tie a wellness program into these national observances, as there are so many. Pick one to three activities per year and stick with these. Organize and promote activities well ensuring that staff members will come to expect and anticipate these programs each year. It is best to do a few Employee Health Promotion Programs very well than numerous promotions poorly.