Improving Workplace Wellness Through Primary Care Awareness

Posted by: BeneFIT Corporate Wellness
Date: August 16, 2013

A primary care physician is often the first to whom individuals bring their health concerns and symptoms, so making employees aware of a primary care physician’s role in providing preventive care and health promotion is a crucial part of a company’s workplace wellness program. Primary  care physicians are pediatricians, family medicine and internal medicine physicians.

Primary care leads to better employee outcomes, a more efficient use of health care resources, fewer hospitalizations, and healthier communities.

Start raising awareness by reminding employees about the benefits of primary care:

• Prevention and wellness counseling – Talk with your primary care physician. They have the resources to get you started if you’re looking to quit smoking, lose weight, develop healthy eating habits, reduce alcohol use, or treat depression.
• Flu shots and other immunizations – Whether you need your annual flu shot or vaccinations  for an overseas trip, primary care offices are your access point for these preventive services.
• Health screenings – Even when you may have no symptoms, routine screenings for high blood  pressure, diabetes, depression, high cholesterol, breast cancer, or colorectal cancer can help prevent and detect disease early. Your primary care physician will identify which screenings are right for you based on your age, gender, and medical history.

Also, provide your employees with handy health tips to help them prepare for their next visit to their primary care physician. We suggest the following:

• Write down a brief list of concerns and note in priority.
• Understand any medical condition before leaving your doctor’s office. Know the game plan. Ask your doctor to write it down if the information is not fully apparent.
• Find out which medical circumstances would trigger recontact with your physician.
• If receiving a sample prescription, ask the doctor to write down the instructions to taking the medication.

A simple, routine check-up is often the first step in promoting wellness, but other everyday practices go a long way in promoting a healthy workplace.

For more information about the importance of primary care awareness, please contact us.

Disclaimer:  The information presented is for your general knowledge and does not replace the advice of a physician. All medical inquiries regarding your health should be presented to a physician.