MISSION

To improve the overall health and fitness of City employees and their family members. This is being accomplished by educating employees and family members on the risk factors associated with major disease categories and the risky behaviors that contribute to disease. The program will also provide opportunities and incentives to change risky behaviors thus increasing health and fitness levels.

GOALS

- Create a culture that fosters healthy behaviors and increased fitness levels.
- Reduce the costs of healthcare claims related to major diseases and injuries.
- Reduce the costs associated with on-the-job injuries.
- Reduce absenteeism.
- Reduce the number and severity of motor vehicle accidents
  involving City employees and family members.
- Increase productivity of the City workforce.

HOW THE WELLNESS PROGRAM WORKS

The City of Montgomery will be instituting the Wellness Program on October 1, 2006. There will be a calendar of events that will be available on the City website and various departmental bulletin boards. Our office will also send out educational flyers with information pertaining to important health issues.

The Risk Management Division will conduct free health screening fairs that will offer blood pressure screening and cholesterol testing. We have also instituted exercise programs to encourage all employees and their families to begin an exercise program.

CORE TOPICS - THE CITY RECOGNIZES THAT THERE ARE 7 "CORE TOPICS" THAT MUST BE ADDRESSED.

1. Back Care and Injury Prevention
2. Physical Exercise
3. Stress Management
4. Substance Abuse Prevention (including tobacco products)
5. Weight and Nutrition Management
6.Health Education and Disease Management. Targeted areas are: heart disease, obesity, stroke, high blood pressure, cholesterol and diabetes.
7. Avoiding automobile accidents and associated injuries