The
10,000 Step Program
Medical
Offices /Worksites / Organizations
Medical
Offices, worksites and organizations are excellent places to encourage and
boost morale. Research has shown that medical professionals or employers that
encourage employees or patients to take two active 10-minutes breaks during
the day have happier, healthier, and more productive lives. Physical activity
programs can reduce short-term sick leave by 32%, reduce healthcare costs by
20-55%, and increase productivity by 2-52%.
The
Diabetes Prevention Program showed that in 3234 people with IGT
(Pre-Diabetes), those who walked or exercised five times a week for 30 minutes
lost 5% to 7% of their body weight and reduced their risk of diabetes by 58%
and for those over the age of 60, the reduction in diabetes risk was 71%,
better than any drug used in the study.
In
a recent 10,000 step study at Diabetes In Control.com, the results were very
positive:
- HbA1c
-13%
- Blood
Glucose -14%
- Total
Cholesterol -15%
- LDL
–23%
- HDL
+13%
- Triglycerides
-27%
Total
44 Patients
Total
Steps 7956.66 / day / patient
Total
Steps 667,464 steps for 84 days/patient
Total
Steps 44 patients 84 days = 29,368,416
Steps
Avg.
Wt. Loss: 4.1 lbs
Avg.
Drop in BP -16 Systolic
- 4 Diastolic
Average
Starting Steps:
3100/day
Average
Ending Steps:
7957/day
The
cost of implementing a step program is minimal. Step counters can be purchased
inexpensively in bulk. Your office or company can either share the cost of the
step counters with employees and patients, or offer them as one of a series of
ongoing incentives in a Step program.
Patients
or Employees enjoy the step counters and the Step program because it is an
effective and fun way to improve health without disrupting the workday. In
fact, they come back energized and refreshed after 10-minute activity breaks,
ready to work with more vigor. Employees also like the step counters for the
feeling of community the program fosters.
Companies
can offer incentives such as days off for meeting and exceeding program step
goals. Or get a drug or meter company to supply some incentives a free video
rental cards or free dinner coupons at a local restaurant. A cost-benefit
analysis will show that minimal costs reap maximum benefits in terms of
healthy and happy employees.
Getting
Started
If you
are interesting in implementing a Step Program for your office or workplace,
complete the Office/Worksite/Organization Registration Form below, fill in the
requested information, submit, and you will be linked to the
Office/Worksite/Organization Kit containing all of the materials you need to
get started.
