You made it through 2011! Congratulations. Here are our quick tips for this month’s national health observances – and easy programming ideas for you to take action.
National Influenza Vaccination Week (Dec. 4 – 10, 2011)
It’s the most effective way to prevent the spread of the flu: Get a flu vaccine, and encourage others in your workplace to do the same. Flu vaccinations get a big push in the fall, but flu shots are available through January. It’s never too late, and it’s always important!
Visit the CDC for a wealth of resources on promoting later-in-the-game flu vaccinations. Grab a ready-to-use article and include it in the week’s wellness email. Find a flu clinic in your area and share with your employees. This week is also hand-washing awareness week, so consider tying together a comprehensive flu prevention awareness campaign that includes good hand-washing and hygiene practices.
International AIDS Awareness Month
Yesterday (Dec. 1) was World AIDS Day. More than a million people in the U.S. live with HIV/AIDS, and the CDC estimates that one in six large worksites (more than 50 employees) in the U.S. and one in 15 small worksites (less than 50 employees) have had an employee with HIV or AIDS.
Just like any other chronic disease, HIV/AIDS can affect workplace productivity and healthcare costs, so it’s vital to create a supportive, open, and of course non-discriminatory environment for people living with the disease.
Does your office have an HIV/AIDS workplace policy? If not, it’s a great place to start. The CDC Business Responds to AIDS / Labor Responds to AIDS has a step-by-step policy builder that will make this process easy for you.
Ready to take the next step? BRTA/LRTA has education materials you can use, and you can find free test resources in your area here.
National Drunk and Drugged Driving Prevention Month
T’is the season of mirthful gatherings with friends, loved ones and, yes, co-workers. But that doesn’t mean this has to be the season of unsafe driving.
If you are hosting a holiday party that includes alcohol, plan ahead for safe transportation. Appoint designated drivers (reward them with gift cards!) or pass out cab vouchers. This will make sure your people are in good hands — and serve as an example of the importance of driving responsibly. Make sure you offer plenty of non-alcoholic options; you may also want to limit the number of drinks per person or close the bar early.
Make it a priority this month to communicate about the risks of drinking and driving. And remember to make your EAP services known, if you have them. Many employees have no idea that they can get help from their employers for alcohol or drug problems.
Have a safe and happy holiday season! For a full year of National Health Observances, download our free 2012 Wellness Activity Planner.