State of California

  M E M O R A N D U M

  REFERENCE CODE:
  98-012

  DATE:
  March 10, 1998

  TO:
  Health and Safety Officers
  Wellness Coordinators
  Personnel Officers

  FROM:
  Department of Personnel Administration
  Benefits Division

  SUBJECT:
  Employee Health and Fitness

  CONTACT:
  Marie Pereira, Statewide Wellness Coordinator
  (916) 324-9365, CALNET 454-9365
  FAX: (916) 322-3769
  OFFICE VISION: DPA(MXPEREIR)
  INTERNET: MXPEREIR@DPA.CA.GOV


  National Employee Health and Fitness Month, the largest work
  site health and fitness event in the United States, will be
  celebrated during the month of May by thousands of companies,
  community organizations, national health organizations,
  universities and schools.  Whether you celebrate National
  Employee Health and Fitness one day, one week, one month, or
  even better year round, the goal is to encourage
  participation and motivate your employees to have fun, stay
  healthy and be physically active. In recognition of National
  Employee Health and Fitness, Governor Pete Wilson will
  proclaim Wednesday, May 20, 1998 as "Employee Health and
  Fitness Day in California".  The Governor is asking public
  and private sector employers throughout the state to join in
  National Employee Health and Fitness events.  Events such as
  this are supportive of the statewide wellness program under
  the leadership of the Department of Personnel
  Administration(DPA), established by Executive Order
  W-119-95.
  
  DPA encourages the management and staff of all departments to
  support promotion of the physical fitness of the work force
  by organizing healthy, fun, and noncompetitive activities.
  Although participation in these activities is voluntary,
  experience has shown that employees enjoy fun, creative and
  convenient on-site wellness events.  This is especially true
  when departments allow lunch and break period flexibility for
  optimum employee participation.  Listed below are several
  resources and activities for consideration.
  Group walking (possibly led by departmental director or
  division chiefs)
  Group stretching exercises (reference books are available
  in the DPA Wellness Resource Library for suggested
  exercises)
  Low-fat snack "taste test", or a bake sale (ask employees
  to bring their favorite(s) with recipes to share)
  Stair walking
  brown bag presentation by a health professional (utilize
  local non-profit agencies such as the American Heart
  Association, American Cancer Society, health plans, etc)
  Noontime aerobics
  Health videos (videos available in the DPA Wellness
  Resource Library)
  
  American Heart Association Walking Kit
  
  The American Heart Association (AHA) has developed a
  prepackaged walking program called "Walk Your Way to a
  Healthy Heart."  To help encourage your employees to start a
  walking program, the kit contains everything you need to give
  a walking clinic such as posters, promotional and
  instructional materials, etc.
  
  The asking price for this kit is $12.00 plus shipping and
  handling.  As a special offer for state departments, the AHA
  will provide the kits for the wholesale cost of $7.10, plus
  shipping and handling.  Many state departments purchased the
  kit last year and have had great success with the program.
  In the greater Sacramento area, you may call (916) 446-6505
  to inquire about the kit.  For areas outside of Sacramento,
  please contact the local chapter of the AHA.
  
  Surgeon General's Report on Physical Activity and Health
  
  The first anniversary of the Surgeon General's Report of
  Physical Activity and Health is being celebrated by the
  Centers for Diseases Control and Prevention with a free kit
  called "Physical Activity - - It's Everywhere You Go."  It
  includes a guide to promote physical activity as a way to
  reduce chronic diseases.  You can call
  (888) 232-4674 or print from their website www.cdc.gov.
  
  National Association of Governor's Councils
  On Physical Fitness and Sports
  
  A promotional kit is available for first time participants of
  the National Employee Health and Fitness event.  The cost of
  the kit is $10.00.  Other promotional materials such as t-
  shirts, water bottles, or posters are also available.  For
  further information, you can call (317) 237-5630.
  
  May 15, 1998 Health and Fitness Fair
  
  In Sacramento on Friday, May 15, 1998, The California
  Governor's Council on Physical Fitness and Sports and the
  National Association of Governor's Councils (Council) are
  presenting the 4th Annual Employee Health and Fitness Fair on
  the west steps of the State Capitol.  This is a free event.
  The Fair will be staged from 11:00 a.m. to 1:45 p.m. and is
  open to the public.  In 1997, the Fair had nearly 70 booths,
  85 providers and over 1,000 attendees.  This year the
  Council, chaired by Arnold Schwarzenneger, is proud to also
  be presenting the "Great California Workout" celebration
  during the extended fun and fitness-filled noontime program.
  Additionally, a parachute drop on to the Capitol steps by a
  U.S. Navy SEALs team is being planned (not officially
  confirmed yet).  Any department interested in having a free
  space for a health and fitness oriented booth at the Fair can
  call Jim Purvis at (916) 654-9514 or e-mail him at
  jpurvis@edd.ca.gov to receive further information about the
  Fair.
  
  If you have specific questions regarding the statewide
  effort, please call Marie Pereira, statewide wellness
  coordinator, at (916) 324-9365 or CALNET 4654-9365, or access
  DPA's Benefits website at www.dpa.ca.gov.
  
  
  
  
  Kathie Vaughn, Chief
  Benefits Division
  
  cc:  Department Directors