Tools and Programs: Physical Activity
Click on the links below to access tools and programs available from local community organizations to assist employers with increasing active living opportunities in the workplace.
Get Fit Don’t Sit E-Toolkit
American Diabetes Association (ADA)
The American Diabetes Association recommends that everyone, including people with diabetes, get up and move every 90 minutes. Companies can play an important role by encouraging employees to be active and take better care of themselves, while lowering their risk for type 2 diabetes. National Get Fit Don't Sit Day occurs annually in May. The free, easy-to-use e-toolkit provides ideas and resources to help companies and organizations get involved.
Workplace Walking Program Kit
American Heart Association (AHA)
The American Heart Association’s Workplace Walking Program Kit encourages companies to give employees an excuse to get away from their desks and take the first step on the path to wellness. It's a pretty simple concept: companies can set up walking routes around the office and celebrate and reward employees who use them to make their sedentary lifestyle more active. The kit includes a coordinator guide, posters, flyers, window decals, and walking path markers that can be printed directly.
National Walking Day Toolkit
American Heart Association (AHA)
Take the first step to a healthier life by taking part in the American Heart Association's National Walking Day. The month-long celebration kicks off the first Wednesday in April and is designed to help all individuals become more active. On the day of the event, participants are encouraged to lace up their sneakers and take 30 minutes out of their day to get up and walk. Free educational and promotional materials are available for employers.
LiveWellSTL.org
The Midwest Health Initiative (MHI)
LiveWellSTL.org is a free website from the Midwest Health Initiative that is designed to connect St. Louisians to healthy events and resources that fit into their schedules and budgets. The website has four categories: Move More; Eat Better; Feel Well; and Lose Weight. Within the categories, information is listed for fitness classes, community races, activities for children, senior-specific events, cooking classes, local parks and trails, farmers' markets, weight loss resources, support groups, disease management resources, and much more. With new events added daily, the website is always growing!
Environmental Assessment Tool
St. Louis Area Business Health Coalition (BHC)
The Environmental Assessment Tool (EAT) is an evidence-based evaluation tool developed by the Partnership for Prevention, National Business Group on Health, and Dow Chemical to provide employers a clear assessment and recommended actions for worksite health promotion. The tool provides insight into the structural and social elements of the workplace environment, especially those components related to physical activity, nutrition, and leadership engagement. In addition to supporting employers in conducting an assessment, the BHC provides members with simple, inexpensive solutions to address the health-related environmental concerns highlighted.
Corporate Memberships and Classes
Gateway Region YMCA
As the nation’s leading nonprofit for youth development, healthy living, and social responsibility, the Y gives everyone an opportunity to learn, grow, and thrive. The Gateway Region YMCA can be a partner for employees and their families through discounted corporate memberships and class opportunities, including year-round and “Try the Y” two-week trial periods.
Health Education Sessions
St. Luke’s Hospital
St. Luke's Hospital can provide educational seminars, created and presented by health professionals, on a wide array of topics. These include diet and nutrition, fitness and exercise, general health, heart health, women's health, cancer/oncology, sleep disorders, and stress management.
Lunch and Learn Sessions
Visiting Nurse Association of Greater St. Louis
Nurses are available to come onsite to local workplaces and provide customized presentations on a variety of health and wellness topics, including: Living Well with Diabetes; Eating Healthy on the Run; Managing Stress; Making Healthy Food Choices; Living Well with High Blood Pressure; and Easy Ways to Increase Your Activity.
Health Education Workshops
University of Missouri Extension
MU Extension’s Nutrition and Health Specialists are available to provide workshops and courses based on the latest scientific evidence to improve employee health and well-being. The following topic areas are available: balance and fall prevention, strength training for older adults, healthy food shopping and preparation, food canning and preservation, mindfulness, and chronic disease and diabetes self-management.
Physical Activity Presentations
BJC HealthCare
Description coming soon.