Tennessee is one of the best places in America to live and work. But, it is one of only six states, and the only southern state, where the obesity rate increased in the last year. Our rates of hypertension and stroke, type 2 diabetes, heart disease, COPD and asthma, and several types of cancer are among the highest in the nation. The problem is worse than many realize, but there is a solution.
The University of Tennessee Extension is partnering with the Governor’s Foundation for Health and Wellness to enable and encourage Tennesseans to lead healthier lives through the implementation of Small Starts programs in all 95 counties across the state.
“Tennessee has the ability to improve our individual health and the overall health of our state, and we can start now,” Gov. Bill Haslam said. “We have high rates of behavior-related diseases, and by focusing on changing unhealthy behaviors we can improve our quality of life and also reduce the cost of health care and the cost of doing business in Tennessee.”
The Governor’s Foundation is a non-profit corporation established by Gov. Haslam to help Tennesseans improve their health by being more physically active, eating nutritious food in the right portions, and abstaining from tobacco. The Foundation has developed a suite of Small Starts tools designed for use by individuals, workplaces, and faith communities.
Small Starts @ Work provides employers with tips, ideas and actions to help employees get healthier together. It is simple to use and can be adapted for businesses and organizations of all sizes. “A healthy workplace is good for employees, for business, and for Tennessee” Governor’s Foundation for Health and Wellness CEO Rick Johnson said. “Implementing an effective workplace wellness program doesn’t have to be costly, and it can significantly improve employee health, satisfaction, and productivity, and reduce absenteeism. Everyone benefits.”
Employers that are actively encouraging and enabling employees to live a healthy lifestyle both at work and at home can apply to be recognized as a Healthier Tennessee Workplace at any time throughout the year.
Small Starts @ Worship provides faith leaders with actions they can take to build a culture of wellness in their congregation. It is also simple to use and easily adaptable based on congregation size. Congregations that have implemented a wellness program can apply to be recognized as a Healthier Tennessee Place of Worship.
The designations are granted for one full year with an opportunity to renew on an annual basis. Those interested in becoming a Healthier Tennessee Workplace or a Healthier Tennessee Place of Worship should visit http://healthiertn.com and use the applicable Small Starts tool to register and apply.
For more information, please contact Dr. Chris Sneed at our local UT Extension – Blount County office 865-982-6430 or [email protected].