SelfCare: A Tool for Employee Wellness Programs

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Self-Care A Tool for Employee Wellness Programs

• Judy Johnston, MS, RD, LD
• Department of Preventive Medicine Public Health
• University of Kansas School of Medicine - Wichita

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Outline

• Definitions
• Investing in Human Capital
• Social-Ecological Model
• Categories of Self Care
• Transtheoretical Model/Stages of Change
• Self-Efficacy
• Self-Care Covenants/Contracts

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Self-Care is

• The actions taken by individuals towards their
  own health and well-being
• Self-care includes care to
• Stay fit maintain good physical mental
  health
• Meet psychological needs
• Prevent illnesses or accidents
• Care for minor illnesses long-term conditions
  
• Maintain health well-being after illness or
  injury

Self-Care-A Real Choice UK Dept. of Health, 2005
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Investing in Human Capital CASH

• Connection
• Autonomy
• Skill-Building Opportunities
• Healthy Norms

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No man is capable of self-improvement if he sees
no other model but himself.

• Conrado I. Generoso

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Social-Ecological Model
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Physical Health Actual Causes of Death

• Tobacco (19)
• Poor Diet/Lack of Exercise (14)
• Alcohol (5)
• Infectious Agents (4)
• Pollutants/Toxins (3)
• Firearms (2)
• Motor Vehicles (1)
• Illicit Drug use (1)

McGinnis JM, Foege WH. Actual causes of death in
the United States, JAMA 1993 2702207-12
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Physical Self-Care

• Healthy Diet
• Active Living
• Sleep
• Water
• Tobacco Use and/or Exposure

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Effects of Environment

• Challenging
• Super-sized portions
• Advertising/mis-information
• Fast foods/Vending
• Lack of PA opportunities
• Sedentary jobs

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Effects of Environment

• Supportive
• Variety
• Convenience Availability Accessibility
• Useful, Accurate Information
• Role Models

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Mental/Emotional Self-Care

• Stress Relaxation
• Time Management
• Guilt, Shame Forgiveness
• Empowerment
• Parenting
• Days Off/Vacation

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Social Self-Care

• Social support
• Motivation
• Relationship Building
• Nurturing your support network

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Health Risk Appraisals

• Comprehensive assessments
• Categorical assessments
• Self-Assessment vs. Professional Assessment

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Stages of Change Model
Prochaska, J. O. and C. C. DiClemente (1986).
The transtheoretical approach. Handbook of
Eclectic Psychotherapy. J. Norcross. New York,
Brunner/Mazel 163-200.
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Keys to Success

• Make one change at a time
• Make a plan
• Set a specific measurable goal
• Write it down
• Get social support
• Additive goals
• Plan to succeed

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Self-Efficacy

• What is it?
• Belief in the importance of goal
• Confidence that you can achieve the goal
• How to increase self-efficacy?
• Plan
• Small steps
• Buddy system
• Role models/mentors

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Personal Health Covenant/Contract

• Commitment to self care
• Achievable
• Small steps
• Moves you one level in stages of change
• Active
• Buddy system

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Covenant/Contract Process

• Review self assessments
• Personal Self-Care Monthly Plan
• What
• How Much
• Why
• Barriers
• Plans to Overcome Barriers
• Accountability
• Monthly Reviews

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The more familiar we are with our inner terrain,
the more sure-footed our teaching our living
becomes.

• Parker Palmer

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The Role of Policy

• Places value on health behaviors
• May provide incentives
• Creates Role Models
• Commits Resources

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Partnership

• Employers
• Supportive environment
• Supportive policies
• Role models
• Resources
• Employees
• Commitment to self-examination
• to self-care
• Shared responsibility
• Sphere of influence

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Employee Self-Care

• Both Employers Employees invest and both reap
  benefits!