Chronic diseases, which rob employees and their families of health and quality of life, represent major costs to state agencies in the form of healthcare and disability costs, lost productivity, and absenteeism. To have the biggest effect on chronic disease, state agency wellness programs should address risk behaviors by helping employees and family members identify their personal risks, increase their level of physical activity, eat healthier, and reduce stress. Additionally, programs should help employees and family members who smoke to quit and limit exposure of all employees to secondhand smoke.

The links listed here provide guidance, resources, and step-by-step program guides to assist state agency wellness planners in selecting and implementing appropriate wellness program activities to improve the health and quality of life of employees in their agency.

• Five A Day - Five A Week - four-week program to encourage eating five servings of fruits and vegetables each day and being physically active at least five days a week.
• Lighten Up Texas - an eight-week team competition program to encourage safe weight loss through good nutrition and physical activity.
• Maintain No Gain - an eight-week program to promote maintenance of weight during the holiday season.
• Skyscraper Climb - a self-paced program that encourages the use of stairs as a form of physical activity.

Contact Us at wellness@dshs.texas.gov.