A study of health risk data and medical insurance claims at a paper mill in Canton, North Carolina, revealed that the Canton employees who had taken part in a health and fitness programs spent an average of 30% less on medical claims than non-participants. Having established a clear link between health and fitness activities and lower health care costs, the Canton study led to refine and expand wellness programs. The company took a closer look at all the issues that could affect job performance and determined that the company needed to broaden the concept of wellness to include mental and emotional health as well as physical well being. In short, the company began to recognize that each employee is a whole person who brings much more than job s

Wellness is a multi-faceted approach to life that fosters a sense of good health and the competency to creatively manage life's challenges. Sometimes the employee becomes "stuck" on our journey to fully develop themselves, their relationships, and their lifestyle. During these times it may be helpful to explore concerns with professional assistance so that a bridge may be created between what the employee is and how the employee wants to be. That is why many wellness programs implement employee assistant programs in conjunction with a fitness program. Wellness is an ongoing process that develops and integrates mind, body, and spirit. Overall, wellness is a choice - a decision to cross the bridge that leads toward optimal health.

Thousands of new gyms and physical fitness centers have opened in the past decade, providing a number of options for pursuing an exercise regimen. Although exercising on your own is less costly and time-consuming, a gym does offer some advantages. Companies are now offering the financial incentive to use the gym often by helping pay for a membership. If employees have a sociable bent, they'll probably find the camaraderie another reason to return regularly. Many gyms also offer convenient places to change and shower, a wide range of modern exercise equipment, and guided instruction.

What we have discusses previous has been a growing concern for both organizations and employees alike. The statistics are overwhelmingly proving that there is a correlation between personal wellness and on the job performance.

Some common words found in the essay are:
Lechner MPH, North Carolina, , Environmental Medicine, fitness programs, fitness program, heart disease, wellness programs, wellness program, developing heart disease, heart disease complications, health care, developing heart, job performance, home life, health fitness,
Approximate Word count = 1040
Approximate Pages = 4 (250 words per page double spaced)