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Start a wellness program in your office using these 10 steps.
Wellness + Workplace
Workplace Wellness Finally Starts to Mean Something
As evidenced by growing burnout rates, quiet quitting, and The Great Resignation, workplace wellness initiatives haven’t been all that effective. As a result, there is a reimagining of workplace wellness programs. From extended company-wide vacations to the “right to disconnect” from emails after hours, companies are reforming workplace wellness as we know it.
Here is a guideline to create a wellness program in your office:
1. Establish Goals: Establish clear goals for your wellness program. Consider the overall health and wellness goals of your organization and how you can best meet them.
2. Develop a Plan: Develop a plan for how you will implement your wellness program. Consider the resources available to you, such as budget, staff, and facilities.
3. Choose Activities: Choose activities that will help your organization reach its wellness goals. Consider activities that are tailored to the needs of your organization and its employees.
4. Promote the Program: Promote the program to your employees. Make sure they understand the benefits of participating in the program and how it will help them reach their personal wellness goals.
5. Monitor and Evaluate: Monitor and evaluate the program to ensure it is meeting its goals. Make adjustments as needed to ensure the program is effective and successful.
6. Reward Participation: Reward employees for participating in the program. Consider offering incentives such as gift cards, discounts, or other rewards.
7. Provide Resources: Provide resources to help employees reach their wellness goals. Consider offering educational materials, access to health professionals, or other resources.
8. Encourage Healthy Habits: Encourage healthy habits such as regular exercise, healthy eating, and stress management.
9. Track Progress: Track progress to ensure employees are meeting their wellness goals.
10. Celebrate Success: Celebrate successes and recognize employees for their hard work and dedication to the program.
June 6, 2023 7:13 pm
Walking is one of the best fitness activities for people of all ages and fitness levels. It is a low-impact exercise that can be done anywhere and at any time, without any special equipment. Walking is not only good for your physical health, but it also has numerous mental health benefits. It is a great way to reduce stress, improve mood, and boost cognitive function.
Studies have shown that walking regularly can help improve cardiovascular health, lower blood pressure, and reduce the risk of chronic diseases such as diabetes, heart disease, and stroke. It is also an effective way to manage weight and improve overall body composition.
Walking is a great way to stay active and enjoy the outdoors. It is a low-cost and low-risk form of exercise that can be done alone or with friends and family. So, put on your walking shoes and start reaping the many benefits of this simple yet effective exercise.
February 14, 2023 4:18 pm
When it comes to our health, there are a lot of things we can do to keep ourselves in good shape. But when it comes to our cardiovascular health, there are five habits that are especially important.
1. Quit smoking. Smoking is one of the biggest risk factors for heart disease, and it can also lead to other health problems like lung cancer and emphysema. If you smoke, quitting is one of the most important things you can do for your health.
2. Eat a healthy diet. Eating a healthy diet is important for your overall health, and it’s especially important for your cardiovascular health. Make sure you include plenty of fruits, vegetables, and whole grains in your diet, and avoid unhealthy foods like processed meats and sugary drinks.
3. Exercise regularly. Exercise is another important habit for maintaining a healthy heart. Exercise helps keep your heart healthy by reducing your risk of heart disease and improving your overall cardiovascular health.
4. Maintain a healthy weight. Being overweight or obese is a major risk factor for heart disease. Maintaining a healthy weight is one of the most important things you can do to protect your heart.
5. Get regular checkups. It’s important to get regular checkups from your doctor, especially if you have a family history of heart disease. Your doctor can help you track your heart health and identify any potential problems early.
Heart disease is currently one of the leading causes of death in Canada, second only to cancer. Approximately 2.6Footnote1 million Canadian adults aged 20 and older live with ischemic heart disease (IHD), the most common type of heart disease.
February marks Heart Month and provides us with an opportunity to focus on the efforts we can make to improve our heart health. Although rates of heart disease in Canada have been declining, largely due to advances in research, drug therapies and prevention efforts, there are many risk factors that still contribute to heart disease. Lifestyle changes, small and big, can help reduce your risk.
January 24, 2023 5:18 pm
Alternative medicine is a term used to describe a wide range of treatments and therapies that are not typically used in conventional medicine. These treatments and therapies often focus on natural remedies and holistic approaches to health and wellness. From herbal remedies, massage therapy, to acupuncture and yoga, alternative medicine is becoming increasingly popular as people look for ways to improve their health without relying on pharmaceuticals.
The appeal of alternative medicine lies in its ability to treat the whole person, rather than just the symptoms of a particular illness or condition. It is believed that by taking a holistic approach to health and wellness, the body can be healed from within. This is why many alternative medicine treatments focus on diet, lifestyle, and stress management.
Alternative medicine is also gaining popularity due to its potential to reduce the cost of healthcare. Many alternative treatments are far less expensive than conventional treatments, making them more accessible to those who may not be able to afford traditional medical care.
However, it is important to note that alternative medicine is not a substitute for conventional medical care. While some alternative treatments may provide relief from certain symptoms, they should not be used in place of traditional medical treatments. It is always best to consult with a doctor of medicine or Naturopathy before beginning any type of alternative medicine regimen.
What are the top 5 questions asked regarding alternative medicine?
1. What are the risks associated with alternative medicine?
The risks associated with alternative medicine depend on the type of treatment being used. Generally speaking, there is a risk of side effects or adverse reactions to any type of medical treatment, including alternative medicine. It is important to discuss any potential risks with your doctor before beginning any type of alternative medicine regimen.
2. What are the benefits of alternative medicine?
The benefits of alternative medicine vary depending on the type of treatment being used. Generally speaking, alternative medicine treatments can help to reduce stress, improve overall health, and provide relief from certain symptoms.
3. How do I find a qualified practitioner of alternative medicine?
When looking for a qualified practitioner of alternative medicine, it is important to research their credentials and experience. It is also important to ask for references and read reviews from other patients.
4. What types of alternative medicine are available?
There are many types of alternative medicine available, including herbal remedies, acupuncture, homeopathy, yoga, MOT and massage therapy.
5. Is alternative medicine covered by my health insurance?
The coverage of alternative medicine by health insurance plans varies depending on the plan and the type of treatment being used. It is important to check with your health insurance provider to determine what types of alternative medicine treatments are covered.
January 3, 2023 10:12 pm
Welcome to 2023!
Two Clichés come to mind when a new year rings in:
1. Opportunity knocks and
2. Things happen for a reason
I think we can all agree, we all have high hopes for 2023.
The thought that a new year alone will bring us health, wealth and a new you.....How does anyone actually believe this?
I think we are realists, you and I know just thinking about something, does not make it happen.
I like to think the only way change happens is by initiating action. It is not likely anyone suddenly becomes healthier or less stressed without a little action.
Sometimes change does happen without our participation, this is when many will say "things happen for a reason".
I am one person that believes this is actually an opportunity for us to "give reason" to things that happen.
Based in our beliefs, values and perception, we can create the reason that fuels the narrative of our story.
Defining moments in our life, may help us give our tomorrows meaning.
Once we can define what action is needed to take advantage of the opportunities that are knocking, we can grab a hold of that door knob and peak inside the open door.
For me, I want to be tethered to the idea of "selection attention" in 2023.
Instead of seeing my life as "time spent" doing, I want to be conscious of spending my energy on selected priorities.
As a Massage Therapist and owner of Apex Massage since 2006, one of those priorities is creating a massage clinic you trust, as well, you feel heard, respected and appreciated.
The pandemic is a moment I could easily say was out of our control and "things happen for a reason".
I prefer to give meaning to this event.
It has given me the opportunity to reflect on our 28 years of experience offering Massage Therapy and how we can continue to provide you the space to heal, find relief and create time for you to renew your energy.
We look forward to intentionally increase your energy, restoring your sense of wellness so all your tomorrows have meaning.
With many ideas and new offerings to come, we wish you a year filled with curiosity, action and a sense of community at Apex.
With Gratitude,
Shelly MacGregor
Owner of Apex Massage Therapy
June 13, 2022 3:45 pm
So many supplements for sleep – many people believe melatonin can be useful as a sleep aid. It carries the same potential downsides of psychological dependence as prescriptions medications.
It actually has little effect on your ability to fall asleep. Melatonin is a chrono biotic, not a hypnotic. This means that it can help regulate your circadian clock, making it quite useful for adjusting to jet lag, resuming regular schedule, and treating circadian rhythm disorders.
Cannabis has often been suggested as a helpful sleep aid and it can indeed help people fall asleep faster but eventually, a tolerance can occur and it may no longer have an effect.
Here are 4 things to try naturally to improve your sleep. When making changes, consider your willingness and ask yourself whether the discomfort of making changes is worth the improvement in sleep you are likely to experience:
1. Regular wake up time: wake up at the same time every day, this will strengthen your circadian clock and sleep drive. Sleeping in reduces your sleep drive at night.
2. Do not go to bed until you are sleepy. Can you tell the difference between tired and sleepy? Tired is what we feel in our bodies, sleepy forms more in the mind.
3. Do not stay in bed longer tan 15 minutes if not sleeping. Get up and do something low key and relaxing. Slow deep breathing, meditation, reading, play soft music. Train your body and brain that bed is for sleeping.
4. Attempts to sleep activate your sympathetic nervous system, when what you need is a strong parasympathetic nervous system activity to allow you to go to sleep. All you can do is set up an environment most conducive to sleep and then allow your body and mind to sleep.
One final note, light pressure and touch effect the parasympathetic nervous system.
Read medical study here: "The participants who received the moderate pressure massage exhibited a parasympathetic nervous system response"
Information and text shared from book "Biofeedback and Mindfulness in everyday life" - Inna Khazan, PH.D.
4 Parkdale Crescent NW
Calgary, AB T2N 3T8
Email us: bookings@apexmassage.com
Call us: 403.270.7788
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