Take a Step Toward Workplace Wellness

Wellness programs have often been viewed as an extra, not a strategic necessity. U.S. companies can use wellness programs to chip away at their health care costs, which are rising with an aging workforce.

The Garrison Institute on Aging will host a Health and Wellness Symposium from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. May 4 at the Academic classroom Building 3601 Fourth St. Room 150, in Lubbock.

This all-day event will feature expert speakers on all aspects of worksite wellness.

Speakers are:

• Tedd L. Mitchell, M.D., TTUHSC president
• David Atkinson, Cooper Corporate Solutions
• Jennifer Bard, J.D., Texas Tech University School of Law
• Christina Thi, MPH, RD, LD, Texas Department of State Health Services
• Shane Haas, PT, MA
• Tim Siegel, Texas Tech men’s head tennis coach

Topics will include worksite wellness methods and results, environmental policy change, and the ethics of employee wellness. There also will be a panel on worksite wellness programs with representatives from American State Bank, PYCO Industries, Lubbock Independent School District and South Plains Electric Cooperative.

Paula Grammas, Ph.D., executive director of the Garrison Institute on Aging, said companies in Lubbock should look at employee wellness as a part of their business.

“Having healthy employees benefits everyone,” Grammas said. “In the long run, providing a wellness program can lead to healthier employees, but also will help put a stop to the obesity epidemic in our country. The bottom line is companies who invest in wellness programs will see savings in health care and work days lost.”

Breakfast, lunch and snacks will be provided. Vendors will be on hand promote worksite wellness programs. Cost for the event is $15 for the general public and $25 for health care and business professionals seeking Continuing Education Credits certificates.

Visit www.healthylubbock.org for more information on the symposium, registration and Continuing Education Credits.