Workplace wellness is an important, evidence-based SHIP strategy to improve healthy eating, increase physical activity, increase tobacco-free environments, and provide breastfeeding support through policy, systems, and environmental changes.

The negative health effects of tobacco use are well-known. Smoking is the leading cause of preventable U.S. deaths each year, and the associated diseases and health care costs are significant. Smokers incur more medical costs, see physicians more often and are admitted to hospitals for longer periods than nonsmokers. Tobacco use is thus one of the nation’s deadliest and most costly public health challenges.

People who eat healthfully maintain a healthier weight and reduce their risk for many chronic diseases and even some cancers. Most Minnesotans do not meet the recommended daily intake of at least five servings of fruits and vegetables per day. Many people cite time barriers and unhealthy work environments as their biggest barriers to eating a healthy diet. Studies show that people make an average of 230 food decisions a day. The food environment is a key factor influencing those decisions. Workplaces that provide fresh, healthy foods on site and in meetings allow for individuals to make healthy food choices part of their daily lives.

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Aitkin County SHIP Coordinator will help your workplace work on the environment (vending, healthy snack station creation, etc.), policy (which sustains a healthy eating environment), system (RFP/Contracts for vending services, pricing structure which encourages health food purchases, etc.) and social support (taste testing, lunch & learns, etc.).

People who are physically active are more likely to maintain a healthier weight, improve their stress response, and reduce their risk for many chronic diseases and some cancers. The recommended level of physical activity to produce health benefits is 30 minutes of moderate activity at least five days per week, or 20 minutes of vigorous activity at least three days per week.

Returning to work is a critical transition for breastfeeding women. Many choose to quit breastfeeding because of the challenges with expressing milk while at work with little or no support from employers. Federal and Minnesota laws now require workplaces to accommodate breastfeeding moms because breast milk is the optimal food for infants.

Suggested Breastfeeding Support Action Steps

Breastfeeding Support Resources

When thinking about stress management, it’s easy to jump to programs and activities to help an individual cope with stress. In the SHIP framework, the goal is to improve policies, systems and the environment to assist employers in creating healthier, sustainable environments in which their employees can work.

Stress Management Resources