UNews - WHIP

Wellness a goal of pilot project with AHS

trevor.kenney — Fri, 07 Oct 2011 18:55:08 +0000

The ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ of Lethbridge is one of six Alberta businesses partnering with Alberta Health Services (AHS) in a program that aims to help the province's two million employed adults maintain their health.

The Workplace Health Improvement Program (WHIP) is designed to give employers the tools and resources needed to help their employees enjoy a good quality of life. The ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ of Lethbridge, along with Pepsi Co., Triple M Housing, SAIT Polytechnic, Alberta Oil Tool and Standens Limited make up the six businesses involved in the pilot project.

"Businesses have the ability to positively influence their employees' well-being by promoting healthy lifestyle choices and offering work/home balance," says program co-ordinator Marlynn Kennedy. "For business leaders, the hardest part is knowing how to get started and how to measure the benefits. WHIP provides businesses with the resources and expertise to do that."

Promoting healthy eating and active lifestyles is among the goals outlined in the 5-Year Health Action Plan, jointly developed by the Government of Alberta and AHS, and supported by the province's stable, five-year funding.

��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ of Lethbridge wellness co-ordinator Suzanne McIntosh says she appreciates the support of AHS as the institution develops a wellness program that uses best practices to instill a culture of health and wellness into all aspects of its community.

"We are always looking to improve on services we can offer our employees," says McIntosh.

Students from the Faculty of Health Sciences (Nursing) program are also involved as part of their community health service rotation.

"Participating in this pilot project will allow us to evaluate our current program by assessing any gaps we may have. It will also help us develop concrete strategies to address and bridge those gaps. This is an exciting partnership and we're looking forward to working with AHS to make it happen here on campus."

As part of the pilot project, AHS workplace consultants will work with the six participating businesses over the next several months.

The consultants present an educational workshop on the importance of workplace health that explains how to develop an effective, custom-made workplace health strategy. Later, the consultants assess the companies' organizational culture, occupational health and safety policies, and the overall health of their employees.

From this assessment, a set of recommendations is developed for each organization, as well as a list of service providers, programs and resources that can help the business improve the health of its employees.

"With just this initial pilot project, we have the potential to improve the health of 5,700 Albertans," says Kennedy.

Dietitian warns against calorie-laden drinks

trevor.kenney — Thu, 08 Jul 2010 21:25:45 +0000

By DIANE BRITTON

Calorie-laden drinks may feel great on your taste buds but they are not good for your waistline. Even though many drinks contain the same amount of calories as a decent sized snack, they don't contribute to your food satisfaction, and therefore likely won't decrease the amount of food you choose over the course of the day.

Choose your drinks wisely with these tips to help you re-think your drink.

Drink more water

Water is the best thirst quencher by far. If you hydrate properly you won't eat food when your body is really just thirsty.

Only 100% real fruit juice

If you read "beverage, drink or punch" on the label, it is mostly sugar water.

Choose milk over pop

Milk has an appetite controlling protein and is loaded in nutrients.

Dilute your juice

If you just can't do without juice, try diluting it with water, either plain or carbonated.

Size matters!

Choose smaller amounts, or if your favorite beverage only comes in one size, share it with a friend or bargain with yourself to only drink half and save the rest for the next day.

What's in your coffee?

Java junkies can choose to add low fat or fat free milks. Also, limit the occasions when you add syrups, sugar-laden creamers or whip cream.

Moderate alcohol intake

If you drink alcohol, moderation is the key. Health Canada recommends not more than two drinks daily for men and not more than one drink daily for women.

Stock your fridge

By purchasing sugar-laden drinks less often, you'll naturally drink healthier choices.

For individual nutrition appointments call the Health Centre (SU 020) at 403-329-2484. All sessions are $20 for U of L students and employees.

Diane Britton is the ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ of Lethbridge's on-campus registered dietitian

Liquid calories - waisted

trevor.kenney — Wed, 16 Jun 2010 22:30:07 +0000

Calorie-laden drinks may feel great on your taste buds but they are not good for your waistline. Even though many drinks contain the same amount of calories as a decent sized snack, they don't contribute to your food satisfaction, and therefore likely won't decrease the amount of food you choose over the course of the day.

Choose your drinks wisely with these tips to help you re-think your drink.

Drink more water

Water is the best thirst quencher by far. If you hydrate properly you won't eat food when your body is really just thirsty.

Only 100% real fruit juice

If you read "beverage, drink or punch" on the label, it is mostly sugar water.

Choose milk over pop

Milk has an appetite controlling protein and is loaded in nutrients.

Dilute your juice

If you just can't do without juice, try diluting it with water, either plain or carbonated.

Size matters!

Choose smaller amounts, or if your favorite beverage only comes in one size, share it with a friend or bargain with yourself to only drink half and save the rest for the next day.

What's in your coffee?

Java junkies can choose to add low fat or fat free milks. Also, limit the occasions when you add syrups, sugar-laden creamers or whip cream.

Moderate alcohol intake

If you drink alcohol, moderation is the key. Health Canada recommends not more than two drinks daily for men and not more than one drink daily for women.

Stock your fridge

By purchasing sugar-laden drinks less often, you'll naturally drink healthier choices.

For individual nutrition appointments call the Health Centre (SU 020) at 403-329-2484. All sessions are $20 for U of L students and employees.

Diane Britton is the ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ of Lethbridge's on-campus registered dietitian

Don't let fast food slow you down

trevor.kenney — Thu, 14 May 2009 15:23:33 +0000

MONTHLY FOOD FOR THOUGHT TO KEEP YOU HEALTHY ALL YEAR LONG

When eating out a few small changes can make a big difference around your waist.

• Order sauces or dressings on the side and use sparingly
• Switch from iced tea and pop to milk or water
• Be menu lingo savvy; order grilled, broiled, baked or steamed items
• Order small or kids sized items
• Share high calorie foods with a friend or take half home for another day
• Ask the restaurant for their nutrition information. This is often posted on their web site and you can plan ahead what you are going to order to ensure you make a smart choice.

But do these changes really make a difference? Let's compare.

Choose:

• Small fries (210 calories) instead of a large fries (610 calories) and save 400 calories!

• A small hamburger (280 calories) instead of a large hamburger (590 calories) and save 310 calories!

• A non-fat latte and hold the whip cream (500 ml/160 calories) instead of a full fat latte with whipping cream (500 ml /400 calories) and save 240 calories!

• 1% chocolate milk (250 ml /158 calories) instead of a bottle of pop (591 ml /260 calories) and save 102 calories!

• A baked potato with low fat sour cream (187 calories) instead of fries (450 calories) and save 263 calories!

• Skip the special sauce, mayonnaise or bacon and save 20-180 calories!

DID YOU KNOW

By eating 100-300 calories less per day you could lose 10 to 30 pounds in a year? It all comes down to smart choices and small changes.

Diane Britton is available for individual nutrition consultations at the ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ Health Centre (403-329-2484).

UNews - WHIP

Wellness a goal of pilot project with AHS

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