Using research to build a wellness program by Denise Heimlich, MS

All of us in the wellness industry like to believe that our programs increase fitness, improve health and benefit the well-being of our participants. We use this reasoning to encourage people to join our programs. What we also should be doing is clearly demonstrating these benefits by producing hard data.

When planning a program, research relevant published guidelines so that you understand what criteria will produce the results you intend. Established bodies of research provide clear pathways to success. Keeping abreast of evolving science and avoiding the hype surrounding trendy ideas establishes your personal and program credibility with residents and administration, helps keep your participating residents safe, and sets your program above many others.