GLOBAL EMPLOYEE HEALTH AND FITNESS MONTH

Every year in May, Global Employee Health and Fitness Month aims to improve the health of the global workforce. Through initiatives and helpful programs, the campaign encourages employers to engage their employees in healthful activities. It also provides a variety of wellness and fitness programs to complement already existing programs. Employers with wellness programs have healthier employees who are more productive. Wellness programs reduce overall healthcare costs and reduce illness and injury.

Employees who participate in wellness programs have lower stress levels, better overall health, and improved confidence, too. Challenge employees to pair up with partners to take the stairs or go for a walk on their lunch break. Take stretch breaks and eat healthy meals. Make sure to get plenty of rest and track your exercise, too. Join the movement and encourage others to join you.

GLOBAL EMPLOYEE HEALTH AND FITNESS MONTH

The National Association for Health and Fitness launched the observance in 1989 to encourage employers to invest in their employees’ health. Each year the campaign has grown from a national observance to a now global event.

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HOW TO OBSERVE #EmployeeHealthAndFitnessMonth

Employers can participate by offering wellness programs and incentives to employees who participate. Create challenges and opportunities to encourage employees to be physically active and focus on their health. Employees, encourage your employer to join the movement. Other ways to participate include:

  • Invite other co-workers to join you for a walk on your lunch break
  • Choose the farthest parking space or walk to work
  • Take the stairs
  • Use a standing desk
  • Participate in desk exercises

Use #EmployeeHealthAndFitnessMonth to share on social media.

NATIONAL PHYSICAL THERAPY MONTH

National Physical Therapy Month in October recognizes the importance of physical therapy in healthcare. Physical therapy is a medical service provided by trained physical therapists who help patients improve movement, strength and manage pain after an illness or injury.

Nearly every part of the body can benefit from physical therapy, especially if you’ve suffered an injury or illness. Physical therapists assess a patient’s pain levels and abilities and develop a plan of treatment they can track. They may provide exercises to be performed at home and document the progress and any further needs. Some of the benefits of physical therapy include:

  • Reduction or elimination of pain
  • Improved strength and flexibility
  • Maintaining independence
  • Overall improved quality of life

The observance promotes the importance of physical therapy and the role it plays in improving physical activity and quality of life. Inadequate physical activity results in an added $117 billion in health care costs in the United States. It also leads to reduced quality of life for millions of Americans. Physical therapists encourage movement to help people manage pain and other chronic conditions, recover from injuries and reduce the risk of future injury and chronic disease.

I am personally undergoing another round of Physical Therapy after health issues sidelined me about 2 years ago.  Special shout out to Dave and Ivy!  You guys are beyond awesome.  My goal is to regain the ability to stand.

NATIONAL PHYSICAL THERAPY HISTORY

APTA and participating components began to celebrate Physical Therapy Week in the early 1980s. The week was initially observed in conjunction with APTA’s annual conference in June and was later moved to October. The week evolved, and the first National Physical Therapy Month was celebrated in October 1992.

HOW TO OBSERVE #NationalPTMonth

During National Physical Therapy Month, give a physical therapist you know a shout-out. Other ways to participate include:

  • Learning about the roles of physical therapy.
  • Share your experiences as a physical therapist.
  • Learn about careers in physical therapy.
  • Find out if physical therapy is right for you.

Use #PhysicalTherapyMonth or #ChoosePT to spread the word on social media.