| Companies want their workers to be aware of health | | | | closing the disparities gap in health care." When |
| care resources, but more importantly, to be able to | | | | developing a health wellness program, language and |
| effectively use them. | | | | culture influence: |
| The poet, Virgil, once said, "the greatest wealth is | | | | |
| health." Although quality and coverage are ranked | | | | 1. how health conditions and causes are perceived; |
| highly as health care goals, most Americans rate the | | | | 2. workplace wellness belief systems; |
| U.S. system as unsatisfactory. Employers are | | | | 3. attitudes toward health care providers; |
| interested in helping consumers be more conscious, | | | | 4. behaviors of consumers; and |
| thoughtful, and informed in making health choices. | | | | 5. delivery of health services. |
| The American Heart Association (AHA) promotes | | | | According to an article in Family & Community |
| comprehensive programs that address the following: | | | | Health, "culturally sensitive and appropriate programs |
| | | | must be developed to engage economically |
| 1. cardiovascular disease prevention; | | | | challenged minority and other underserved |
| 2. tobacco cessation and prevention; | | | | populations." |
| 3. physical activity; | | | | Take a look at The Dow Chemical Company. Dow's |
| 4. nutrition education; | | | | health and wellness programs in South Africa and |
| 5. stress management/reduction; | | | | Latin America have focused on reducing health risks |
| 6. weight management; and | | | | and attending to long-term HIV/AIDS prevention. |
| 7. early detection/screening. | | | | Significant increases in longevity and reduced rates of |
| Other features may include direction regarding | | | | HIV highlight Dow's success. |
| effective use of the health care system, back pain | | | | When businesses search for cost-effective ways to |
| prevention/management, alcohol and substance abuse | | | | meet their employees' health needs, they obtain a |
| assessment, adult vaccination, and maternal and | | | | variety of health and wellness quotes. Workplace |
| infant health education. | | | | wellness programs vary, not only financially, but in |
| The Office of Minority Health (OMH) agrees that | | | | how each addresses the health of employees. |
| "cultural competency is one of the main ingredients in | | | | |