Project Description Narrative:
Across the United States, poor nutritional choices, tobacco use, and a lack of physical activity have resulted in a dramatic increase in diabetes rates, heart disease, and obesity. Nationally, an estimated 50% of the workforce now reports significant risk factors or experiencing acute illnesses. In addition, 20% of individuals in the workforce have chronic diseases or disabilities linked to lifestyle factors, which account for 70% of the nation's medical care costs. In the Milwaukee area, 55% of residents have health problems related to obesity, with 73% of area adults exercising less than 30 minutes per day and 70% eating less than three servings of fruits or vegetables each day. Additionally, 22% of Milwaukee adults report smoking.
Nationally, over 400 studies have demonstrated that a practice strategy for combating this crisis can be worksite wellness programs aimed at impacting health behaviors, risk factors, and costs. Through this award, project partners will assist Milwaukee-area employers in delivering results-oriented wellness programs to their employees in order to enhance the health and wellbeing of the local workforce, manage health care expenditures, and raise awareness of the importance of healthy lifestyles.
Community partners: City of Milwaukee; City of Milwaukee Health Department; Greater Milwaukee Committee; Metropolitan Milwaukee Association of Commerce; Wellness Council of Wisconsin