Article Summary:
o obtain resource materials;
o take part in offered biometric testings (vision, hearing, blood,
Article Content:
A wellness fair is an opportune way to familiarize staff with health issues and related health promotion programs. During a wellness fair staff could be able to -
o obtain resource materials;
o take part in offered biometric testings (vision, hearing, blood, cholesterol, cancer, dental, etc.);
o observe demonstrations on the use of fitness equipment;
o Attend mini-seminars on various health topics;
o get free promotional items from local businesses;
o sample healthful foods; and
o obtain information about their health benefit plan.
Some corporations feature a “health and benefit fair” which includes providers representing the various staff member benefit plans (long-term disability, retirement, etc.) available to workforce through their corporation.
Considerations when coordinating a wellness fair -
o Setting up a successful health fair takes robust time. Time issues should be taken into account in planning and organizing such an event. The most time consuming part is usually contacting potential participants, making arrangements for their participation, confirming their participation, and establishing up the day of the event.
o Sufficient space, tables and chairs must available to allow for the number of providers invited. Some providers may have portable displays or materials that’ll require additional space, access to electrical outlets, or other logistical considerations that must be discussed prior to the wellness fair.
o Providers are going to be hoping to make contact with as many persons as possible during the event. Securing their commitment to future health fairs requires that every effort be made to promote participation by publicizing the event, selecting the proper venue, and offering incentives.
o If possible, locate the health fair in an area with heavy foot traffic.
o Ask vendors to supply free materials at their table and to make a donation to a prize drawing. Follow all company policies when soliciting donations.
o As an idea to elevate worker participation and to keep interest high, each attendee may be given a “passport”, similar to a bingo card, to be signed by each vendor. The signed passport becomes the ticket for the prize drawings. Such drawings should take place every 15 or 30 minutes.
o Consider teaming up with neighboring employers to stage a health fair. A team effort will spread out the work and maximize participation.
Ideas for a Benefits Fair -
Invite representatives from each of your worker benefits provider groups. Ask each provider to be prepared to answer worker questions regarding their wellness program. Representatives could include -
o Retirement plan representative.
o Long-term disability plan representative.
o Health plan representative.
o Healthful Benefits representative.
o Contract cell phone representative (if applicable).
o Local savings and loan or credit union representative.
o Workers’ compensation representative.
Limited Space for a Health Fair – When space is limited conduct the fair at lunch time. Place stations in organization hallways or in individual small conference or office rooms scattered throughout the building.
Provide a map with all the stations listed. Hold a free drawing awarding a prize for anybody who goes to 75 percent of the stations. Use a punch card or similar method to verify.
Resources for health and benefit fairs coordination -
Assume a wide definition of “health” and reflect that by including a variety of vendors and services involved with physical, mental, financial and social health.
For example, health agencies, safety organizations, benefits providers, local health care facilities, recreational facilities, parks, financial planners, childcare referrals, EAP, health clubs, health food stores, library, alternative and complementary medicine providers, etc.
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