News to Use:

Health, Wellness and You

What does it really mean to be Healthy?  What does the word Wellness really mean? These words are used often and with the WakeWise Wellness initiative you are going to be seeing them a lot.  More importantly, we hope that you will actively make these concepts a part of your every day life.
Health is “a state of complete physical, mental, and social well-being, not merely the absence of disease or infirmity.” (World Health Organization)
Wellness is an “ intentional choice of a lifestyle characterized by personal responsibility, moderation, and maximum personal enhancement of physical, mental, emotional, and spiritual health.” (Wellness Council of America)

The US Department of Health and Human Services Healthy People 2010 initiative cites two specific goals related to worksite health promotion:

• Increase the proportion of worksites offering a comprehensive employee health promotion program targeting 75% participation by 2010 and
• Increase the proportion of employees who participate to 75% by 2010.

The WakeWise Wellness Initiative is Wake County’s effort to do as much as possible to assist you in becoming as healthy as you can possibly be.  You are a partner in this effort and can do small things on a regular basis that have a big impact on your health.  The WakeWise Wellness Initiative will focus on four main areas in the coming year:

• Smoking Cessation
• Weight Management through healthy eating and regular moderate exercise
• Stress Reduction
• Being a WakeWise Healthcare Consumer

We look forward to providing you information, resources, and support on your journey to a healthier you.