August 2009

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Healthy Worksite Tools

Through Worksite Thought Starters, Free & Clear provides specific tips on how to revamp your employee worksite to improve the health of your workforce.

THOUGHT STARTER #7

Host an Onsite Farmers Market

Participants in Free & Clear's Mind & Body® Program are taught that one of the easiest things you can do to improve nutrition is to increase your daily consumption of fruits and vegetables. Unfortunately, it is often difficult for people to access fresh produce, especially during the workday and in urban environments. Hosting an onsite farmer’s market will help you build employee awareness of the nutritional value of fruits and vegetables, increase employee access to fresh produce and encourage enthusiasm at the workplace for making healthy decisions.

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Healthy Worksite Check-Up Tool

Evaluate the health of your worksite with the help of our worksite evaluation tool, available to you for a limited time.

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Summer Tips for Employee Health

When the sun is shining and the air is warm, it’s likely that you and your employees are looking for ways to feel light, healthy and free from stress.

Five Summer Tips from the Free & Clear Team:

Order the delivery of fresh fruit.
Set up a smoothie station.
Encourage lunchtime walking groups.
Publish links to local outdoors activities.
Remind employees to stay hydrated.

How Many of Your Employees Are Stressed?

Summer may bring the sun, but it doesn't always bring a decrease in stress. Especially these days. The stress environment in today's worksite is worse than ever before, thanks to the current financial crisis, our modern technological environment, and our culture of poor choices and "quick fixes." Find out why Steve Tutty, Free & Clear's Associate Director of Clinical Behavioral Services, has reason to hope that this trend will change.

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Quit Coach Profile

I enjoy witnessing breakthrough moments. When somebody's confidence to quit is low I help the participant identify where he or she is stuck by using a technique called motivational interviewing. – Liane, Quit Coach, Quit Coach

Quit Coach Liane Claassen tells us why she became a coach, what she enjoys most about helping people overcome their addiction to tobacco, and offers some advice for those who have tried to quit but who have been unsuccessful in the past.

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Clear Insights White Paper

Clear Insights white papers educate and motivate employers, health plans and government agencies by sharing best practices for achieving sustainable health behavior change to reduce the risk of chronic disease.

Taking the Initiative: Strategies for Investing in a Healthy Workforce

Today’s environment makes it difficult for your employees to achieve and maintain a healthy weight. Investing in a healthy worksite environment and implementing strategies that encourage your employees to engage in healthy behaviors will allow you to improve the overall health and productivity of your workforce -- and improve your bottom line. Read this white paper for Free & Clear's best practices. Register to download (PDF)

Clear Insights Webinar

Clear Insights webinars educate and motivate employers, health plans and government agencies by sharing best practices for achieving sustainable health behavior change to reduce the risk of chronic disease.

Why Carve Out Tobacco Cessation: A Story of Success for Paychex

Bob Merberg, MS, Wellness Program Manager of Paychex and long-time client of Free & Clear, shares key success factors his organization has identified for the seamless integration of a tobacco cessation program into existing wellness offerings, as well as the outstanding outcomes they have witnessed. Register & watch now (FLV)

FEATURED BLOG POST:

E-Cig Issues Heat Up

More smokers are turning to e-cigarettes as e-cig companies continue to make the news with claims that their products are "safer" than traditional tobacco cigarettes. Ken Wassum, Senior Product Manager, Tobacco, delves into what we know about e-cigs -- and how what we don't could be just as hazardous to our health. View blog entry

Free & Clear's blog provides company news and specialized commentary on what's new in the wellness industry.

Question: Our wellness committee has decided to revamp our vending machine offerings. In your opinion, what is the most important factor to consider?

Answer: It's important to consider the beverages you’re offering in your vending machines. Soda and juices containing refined sugar and high-fructose corn syrup are some of the biggest dietary challenges for many people. Empty calories from refined sugars add up quickly and contribute to increased appetite and weight gain. Ideally, at least 50% of the beverages in your vending machines should consist of natural or sparkling water, low-fat or nonfat milk, and 100% fruit and vegetable juices with no added sweeteners.

Sandi Kaplan is Free & Clear’s Associate Director of Clinical Development and Support.

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Testimonial

Participant Quit for Life

I highly recommend your program. I now smell good, my teeth are clean, and when I talk to a smoker, the smell of their breath really is offensive. I never noticed all those things when I smoked. So I thank you for being there and I just wanted to tell you what you teach works.

– Lori Wulf

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