Just got back from a wellness conference. In a word dull. In four words, boring and self indulgent. The sponsor spewing nothing but fear and guilt about that test or this screening (offered by their company I might add). Does this sound familiar? How about the phone apps or forms that “documents” your exercise routine. You know like the musical alphabet …..dough ($) ray, me? Pay for participation definitely sounds like a lot of the “effective” wellness programs out there.
Motivation by dough…..remember how that worked as a kid? Chores for an allowance. But even that was better than what I see inside most wellness programs. Believe me I have been involved with some of the big ones. The ones splashed with wellness certification securely nestled inside an HR umbrella. Might the certification companies be benefiting most from wellness? By the way who certified your wellness program, health coach or wellness manager? Who paid for it and what did it cost? Answering those questions begs another blog.
OK so shoot me. I taught health to college kids, high school and middle school kids too. My kids were engaged and made effective changes to their lifestyle routines without money or training from a “certified” wellness professional. Practical examples and oh yeah….food. Food that tasted good, was easy to make and didn’t cost more than junk food. Food and drinks that they sold to sponsor events. I know it is tough. I know you could educate your students/employees/neighbors with a tasty lunch and learn for not much more than the cost of the food. But don’t let me spoil you with a good idea.