### Worksite Wellness Program Relaunched for GovGuam Employees
The Worksite Wellness Program, which allows government of Guam employees to exercise up to three hours per week, has been re-launched after being shut down due to the COVID-19 pandemic. The program, created in 2012 through an executive order, aims to build a resilient and healthier GovGuam workforce. Various sports and wellness activities marked the re-launch on March 19 at the University of Guam Calvo Field House.
### Importance of Physical Fitness
Al Silverio, a program coordinator with the Guam Office of Minority Health, highlighted the importance of the program in promoting good health and reducing diseases such as cancer, diabetes, high blood pressure, and obesity. Recognizing the alarming rates of these diseases on Guam, Silverio emphasized the unique opportunity the program provides for employees to engage in physical fitness and wellness activities.
### Goal for Increased Participation
Before the shutdown, about 10% of the GovGuam workforce, roughly 600 employees, were actively participating in the program. This time, the goal is to increase participation to 20% of the workforce. Silverio acknowledged the ambitious target but stressed the need to address the rising rates of non-communicable diseases in the community.
### How the Program Works
The program assigns health coaches to supervise small groups of workers and monitor their participation. These supervisors are responsible for encouraging and documenting employee involvement, as well as tracking health indicators such as body mass index, blood pressure, and blood sugar levels. While employees may exercise individually, group workouts at the worksite are encouraged.
### Incentives and Support
The program also offers tobacco and vaping cessation programs to address major contributors to poor health. Through sponsorship and donations, Public Health has collected incentives and prizes to reward employees for their participation. While prizes are not the primary motivator for the program, they serve as an additional attraction for employees.
### Eligibility and Requirements
Employees who wish to participate must pass an initial health screening. Certain employees, such as those in federally funded positions or critical roles, may not be eligible based on their job requirements. Any abuse of the program will not be tolerated, and supervisors have the discretion to determine eligibility for employees in specific circumstances.
To participate in the program, employees can email reina.s.capati@dphss.guam.gov.
Original Story at www.guampdn.com – 2024-03-23 02:00:00
