Low-cost Tips
Sometimes little things can make a world of difference. Offering materials and
programs that are easily accessible for employees shows that your organization
is interested in their well-being and is available to assist them in their efforts to
prevent or manage heart disease. Here are some ideas that you can easily offer
employees.

Provide education and training to employees regarding the heart/mind
connection.
o Post fliers or tip sheets in break rooms, common areas, medical
departments and HR offices.
o Post posters with reminder messages about health management—
both for those with no diagnoses and those that are managing
diagnosed heart disease.
o Partner representatives from your EAP, disease management
program and wellness program to provide brown bag seminars on
diet, exercise, stress management, depression and anxiety.
o Bring health care partners together at health fairs and benefit fairs
to provide integrated information about co-morbid diagnoses and
disorders.

Provide integrated communication that focuses on a holistic approach to
preventing and treating heart disease.
o Include articles in EAP and wellness newsletters.
o Send e-mail messages or record voicemail messages.
o Establish linkages between health care program Web sites–for
example, between your disease management and/or wellness
programs and EAP.

Encourage early identification and intervention.
o Offer incentives for completion of health risk assessments that
include depression and anxiety screenings.
o Provide free blood pressure and cholesterol screenings. If not
available on an ongoing basis, provide these screenings as part of
company-sponsored special events. Include a representative from
your EAP in these events.
o Provide comprehensive health care benefits, including adequate
benefits for behavioral health.

Sponsor campaigns that focus on heart and emotional health.
o Distribute giveaways, such as magnets, memo clips or stress balls
with wellness messages and resources.
o Sponsor group events, such as lunchtime walks or exercise
sessions.
o Invite other organizations, such as Weight Watchers, Overeaters
Anonymous or the American Heart Association, to offer support
services at the work site.

Support and encourage the use of the EAP.

Encourage cross-referral between programs.
o Sponsor vendor summits to ensure all health care partners are
aware of available services and referral protocols.