An ounce of prevention: Programs promote healthy living 

Several years ago, the Minneapolis Federation of Teachers partnered with its school district to institute a wellness program for union members. The goal: Encourage employees to maintain a healthy lifestyle.

The MFT negotiated contract language that allowed teachers to cash in up to three days of sick leave to cover the cost of wellness-related expenses ranging from exercise equipment to health club memberships to behavior modification programs such as smoking cessation, weight loss or stress management classes.

Each school represented by the MFT was also responsible for developing an employee-wellness plan that offered activities promoting and supporting the health and well-being of school staff.

The union offered grants to schools to come up with fitness activities, and it tapped Sherri Rutman, an early childhood educator, to coordinate the wellness initiative full time.
"Some of the schools got very creative with the grants, including one that hired a yoga instructor for its staff," says Rutman.

MFT's wellness initiative was a success. Rutman worked with the MFT's health insurance company to track the program's progress, and they found a 10 percent to 15 percent decrease in the number of insurance claims submitted per month by members who participated in the program.

"The results were incredible," says Rutman. "Our program was encouraging members to take better care of their health."

Despite the program's great track record, it was scaled back in 2001. Some elements of the program remain in MFT's contract, however. Employees are still allowed to cash in their sick leave to spend on fitness.

Rutman returned to the classroom to teach early childhood education, but she is still an advocate for employee wellness. She sits on the district's wellness committee and often gives workshops and presentations to union members interested in getting wellness programs started in their locals.

"I have a lifelong commitment to wellness. Even if the program no longer exists, I can still be a role model to others," explains Rutman. "I owe it to myself to be the best teacher I can by being healthy."

Improving health, reducing costs

Wellness programs are becoming increasingly attractive as a way to reduce the cost of health insurance. The programs vary and can range from health-related newsletters and Web sites to courses and activities focused on maintaining healthy lifestyles.

For example, in September 2006, the United Federation of Teachers with the assistance of the New York City Department of Health, began offering nicotine patches to members as a part of its smoking cessation program.

The union advertises the program in its publication, New York Teacher, and gives out patches at union meetings and workshops. The UFT recently began referring members who need more assistance to quit smoking to the city health department's smoking cessation program. The UFT and the health department track the progress of members who take part in the program says Lisa Lau, the program coordinator.