Newswise — Each summer, experts from the University of Virginia Health System provide health and wellness training to American and international business leaders through The Executive Program (TEP), a prestigious, month-long program at UVA's Darden Graduate School of Business.
UVA-WorkMed, an occupational health and wellness clinic, provides comprehensive wellness instruction and programming to compliment business acumen with healthful living. "Most executives know that maximum health increases energy and serves as the foundation for productivity, creativity, and sustainable peak performance," notes Jolene Bodily, the clinic's Registered Dietitian and Wellness Program Coordinator. "Many have company physicals but never make the changes recommended during those exams."
During TEP, executives receive a comprehensive health evaluation and fitness assessments and learn about nutritional, exercise, and lifestyle risk factors. They also participate in daily group exercise sessions. Through this instruction, attendees develop personal health action plans.
Many changes recommended to executives can easily be put into practice at work by everyone. "Our suggestions are simple and contribute to heart health by increasing stamina, improving physical efficiency, and reducing stress," Bodily says.
UVA-WorkMed has five, simple recommendations for improving your heart health:
1) Engage in exercise bursts " Even if you work at a desk job, you can accumulate 20-30 minutes of activity daily. We recommend you learn to exercise in short "bursts" all day long. Walking briskly between your car or transit station to and from your office can serve as two bursts. Taking the stairs instead of the elevator can provide another source of bursts. Making it a habit to walk 10 to 15 minutes at lunchtime can work wonders for your energy level and mental acuity throughout the afternoon.
2) Drink water frequently throughout the day " Proper hydration improves your body's metabolic efficiency. Substitute water for soft drinks, tea, and coffee.
3) Stand and stretch frequently " Stretching decreases the "peripheral resistance" of muscles, helping you to relax. Stretching that targets the muscles of the upper back, neck, forearms, and shoulders is particularly effective for those who work at a desk.
4) Eat a "light" lunch " Large, heavy meals require substantial blood flow to digest and can make you feel tired. They also decrease the volume of blood readily available to your brain, making cognitive function less efficient. Recommended light foods include: lean meats (fish, turkey, chicken), whole grain breads, fruits, vegetables, and nuts.
5) Maintain perspective " As overwhelming as work can be, learn to categorize its role as part of your life. Don't let work preempt other aspects of life that nurture your heart and soul: family and friends, hobbies, community and social activities, etc. Many companies are currently examining avenues to support employees in improving their "Work/Life" balance.
Launched three years ago, UVA-WorkMed has become a cost-saving ally to business customers. The clinic is staffed by a multidisciplinary team of physicians, nurses, an exercise physiologist, registered dietitian and a biomedical engineer. Its services include: wellness assessments and education in workplaces; drug, alcohol, tuberculosis and other health screenings; immunizations and flu shots; pre-hire and annual physicals, medical evaluations and fitness for duty assessments; and safety programming. Clinic personnel also provide medical management of worker's compensation cases.
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