In today’s workplace, chronic medical problems caused by obesity has resulted in reduced productivity, more sick-days, missed days, and increased disability and health care costs. More employers, including the Federal government have been turning to workplace wellness programs as a way to lower costs associated with an increasingly sedentary and nutritionally compromised workforce. The 2003 HHS report, Prevention Makes Common ‘Cents’ (http://aspe.hhs.gov/health/prevention/), examines the cost savings and overall return on investment for obesity prevention and employee wellness programs.

FOH is committed to employee wellbeing and understands that workplace wellness initiatives are a sound investment for both employees and the Federal government. In support of the HHS Healthy Lifestyles and Disease Prevention Initiative, FOH introduces "Lighten UP with FOH," a comprehensive eight-week program that consists of information about nutrition, exercise, and behavioral modification. The program provides Federal employees with the critical information and support they need to change their eating behaviors, monitor their weekly progress, and take strides toward permanent weight loss.

Lighten UP with FOH! emphasizes education, information, accountability, and self-monitoring to promote long-term behavioral change. The program reinforces behaviors associated with adopting a consistent, safe, and sustainable exercise regime, as well as making healthy food selections. And while weight loss as an outcome of those changed behaviors, the goal is directed toward long term change.

Lighten UP with FOH! is conducted by a health educator who motivates and encourages participants in order to increase healthy-eating habits. Throughout the program, participants receive incentives and prizes for working hard toward goals of exercising and healthy eating.

Those participating in the Lighten UP! program will learn about:

• Setting goals
• The importance of exercise as a tool for weight management
• The energy balance equation
• The FITT principle
• Triggers for overeating and how to avoid them
• Changing unwanted behaviors
• Benefits of keeping a food journal
• The USDA Food Guide Pyramid
• Basic nutrients
• Understanding the FDA Food Label
• Serving sizes and the food exchange system
• Dining out successfully

FOH also provides Employee Assistance Program (EAP) services to address and support the emotional issues associated with health and fitness. FOH Occupational Health Centers are available to provide confidential weight measurement, measurement of health indicators including blood pressure checks, and annual serum cholesterol measurements.

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EAP Services Occupational Health Center Services