︎ Health Partnerships To Integrate Workplace Wellness Policy
Normalizing and facilitating healthier and active workplace environments
By Andrea Marquez ︎
Hypothesis
This policy intervention seeks to combine existing policy goals that the American Heart Association (AHA) “supports” but may not be directly involved in to create an outcome. By developing social normatives of active healthy work, improving long-term workplace wellness and influencing behavior change can be achieved. In addition, the intervention calls for partnerships among different disciplines, such as technological companies who focus on health products. More monitoring products can be discussed among health professionals and doctors to make room for improvement, thus improving their overall accuracy. If more products canaccess a national medical record registry, the transfer of medical information will be less redundant and costly for the patient. To develop a more robust research base, employees can use these products during work and vacation periods.
This policy intervention seeks to combine existing policy goals that the American Heart Association (AHA) “supports” but may not be directly involved in to create an outcome. By developing social normatives of active healthy work, improving long-term workplace wellness and influencing behavior change can be achieved. In addition, the intervention calls for partnerships among different disciplines, such as technological companies who focus on health products. More monitoring products can be discussed among health professionals and doctors to make room for improvement, thus improving their overall accuracy. If more products canaccess a national medical record registry, the transfer of medical information will be less redundant and costly for the patient. To develop a more robust research base, employees can use these products during work and vacation periods.
- Why?
Inactivity while working impacts heart health, which may lead to cardiovascular disease. This is the leading cause of death in the US.
- How?
Normalizing workplace wellness through policy intervention.
- What?
Involving lobbying power companies, such as the AHA, to partner with other sectors directly impacts heart health decision making lifestyles.
- So What?
Having an influence in the decision making process will reduce heart disease, which nearly impacts 1/4 of all Americans and reduces healthcare costs.
The design outcomes.
Design to Outcomes
Greater Risk Prevention and Healthier Lifestyle Options- Re-normalization of personal time off, mental health days, paternity leave, remote work access, can produce more active and inclusive work environments. Healthy employees take fewer sick days and reduce overall health costs. Stress management frameworks and other support systems improve mental wellness and cardiovascular health. These are preventative actions as opposed to treatment responses.
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Works Cited
1. American Heart Association. (2018). “Total Cardiovascular Disease Mortality in the United States (1999-2016).” Center for Health Metrics and Evaluation. Retrieved from: https://healthmetrics.heart.org/total- ardiovascular-disease-mortality-in-theunited-states-1999-2 016/
2. Lloyd-Jones, D., et al. (2018). “Defining and Setting National Goals for Cardiovascular Health Promotion and Disease Reduction The American Heart Association’s Strategic Impact Goal Through 2020 and Beyond.” AHA Special Report. Circulation. Retrieved from: https://healthmetrics.heart.org/wp-content/ uploads/2017/06/CIRCULATIONAHA.109.192703.full_.pdf
3. American Heart Association. (2019). “Health Screening Services.” Retrieved from: https://www.heart.org/en/professional/workplacehealth/health-screening-services
4. HMP 604: Organization and Management of Health Advocacy and Community-Based Non-profits, Professor Terrisca Des Jardins, MHSA. University of Michigan, Fall 2019
5. AHA Public Policy Agenda 2017-20, American Heart Association https://www.heart.org/idc/groups/heart-public/@wcm/@adv/documents/downloadable/ucm_492718.pdf
6. AHA Public Policy Agenda 2010-14, American Heart Association https://www.heart.org/idc/groups/heart-public/@wcm/@adv/documents/downloadable/ucm_301674.pdf