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How can walking improve your employee's health?

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Investing in the health of employees is one of the most cost-effective decisions a company can make. With more pressure than ever before, the corporate world struggles to be profitable while still maintaining attractive benefits for its employees. As health care cost soar, supporting employee health and encouraging physical activity makes sense to many companies.

Reports indicate that the sedentary careers of adult Americans put us all at risk for increased medical problems such as obesity, high blood pressure and diabetes. Creating a wellness program at work can be the key to healthier employees and lower health care costs. Businesses that may not be able to provide posh benefit packages for their employees are finding creative and healthy alternatives for their employees. Walking, yoga classes, and on-site exercise facilities are just one way employers are encouraging employee health.

A good walking program at work can be an excellent source of cardiovascular health, as it promotes weight loss, increases circulation, reduces stress, boosts energy levels and rewards the walker with an extra two hours of life for every 30 minutes walked. Employees who walk at least 30 minutes a day find their stamina at the desk increases, focus is more acute and they tend to be healthier, saving their employer hours of sick leave and lowered productivity due to sickness.

When your employees are under stress, they often use more of their sick time. Each year employers lose about 22 million hours in sick leave and lost production costs. How can employers combat this rising cost? One way is by creating time for your employees to relax. Instead of having a 60 minute staff meeting, start out with a 20 minute yoga session. Yoga is known for de-stressing individuals and promoting health. Organize a time for a relaxing walk outside. This will create a break from the daunting daily tasks on the job and it gives your employees some time in the sunlight. Open the windows in your office and get some fresh air and sunlight in there. The sun provides the body with Vitamin D, which helps to increase energy. Allow your employees time to work through those stressful moments with a 15 minute walk around the building or at a local park.

The benefits of walking include increased energy, stronger bones and muscles, enhanced mental well being, improved immunity, better balance and coordination, and better weight maintenance. Not to mention that it feels good to strip the daily stressors of work with a brisk walk on a sunny day. Studies show that low intensity activities can be just as effective in preventing medical problems as high intensity workout programs. Walking is a fun way to spend time with co-workers and it encourages a team-like atmosphere when everyone participates.

In addition to promoting a good walking program, offer healthy food choices at the office. If the employees do not have access to sugary and salty snacks, they won't be tempted to eat them. Bring in vegetable and fruit platters for your employees to snack on during your meetings. Set a good example for them by eating a sandwich over a greasy hamburger. Eat fruit chips instead of potato chips. If you can set a good example, your employees will be inclined to follow you.

Walking towards a healthier you will not only help you at work but also promote a healthier family life. Leading by example will show your family members that you are serious about making changes for the better. It may even lead to some great evening walks with your spouse and children and it is the perfect way to hear about how everyone's day went as you all "step" away from the stress of your day.

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