According to Susan Combs, former Texas Comptroller, in 2009 there were 2.4 million more obese adults in American than in 2007. During that same year, Texas achieved the unhealthy distinction of having 66.6% of all adult Texans overweight or obese. Obesity cost Texas businesses $9.5 billion in 2009. The comptroller reports also indicate that if the current trends in obesity continue and heath care costs continue to rise, the obesity trend could cost Texas businesses $32.5 billion annually by 2030.
Due to rising insurance costs, businesses across the country are seeking to implement worksite wellness initiatives to engage their employees in meaningful discussions, activities, and projects and programs to improve employees’ overall health. In addition, universities have also turned towards addressing the health care needs of their students by providing opportunities that are afforded to their staff and faculty.
The College of Agriculture and Human Sciences Cooperative Extension Program (CEP) attempts to address obesity by implementing the Total You Wellness (TYW) Lecture Series with a participant reach of over 10,000 individuals. The TYW series was initiated in 2012 to provide opportunities for faculty, staff, students and the surrounding community to make better decisions about their overall health. The subject matter consists of topics related to physical health, nutritional health, mental health, financial health and technology health. This will be the fourth year that CEP has offered these free lectures.
TYW implements 40 workshops a year. The sessions on campus, and at many of the other venues, take place during the lunch hour. The series of lectures are presented in collaboration with the Human Resources Department and Intramural and Recreation Sports. Funded by the Chancellors Wellness Initiative, TYW receives over $3,000 annually for incentives and educational materials. As of February 2016, Temple, Texas has adopted the TYW series as monthly “lunch and learn” professional development for its city employees. L.N. Jones Outreach Ministries, Inc. has implemented TYW as the core learning modules for their City of Brookshire Health & Wellness community Program in Waller County, and CareNet, a center for homeless pregnant moms in McClennan county, is preparing to implement TYW as added value to their clients’ list of services.
Prairie View A&M University is the home of many talented faculty, staff, and students who volunteer their time as presenters. TYW provides everyone a platform to share their skills. Secretaries, students, coaches, and farm managers have presented on topics ranging from “Couponing and Shopping on a Budget” to “Conflict Management in the Workplace.” In addition, faculty/staff facilitators support those in the community to live their best life.
Danielle Hairston-Green, Ph.D.
Program Specialist, Family and Consumer Sciences
dyhairstongreen@pvamu.edu
(936) 261-5118