Abstract
Keywords
Being physically active (150 min or more a week) is fundamental for good health (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention [CDC], 2022). Physical activity (PA) benefits include physical (e.g., weight management, strengthen bones, and reduced health risks- cardiovascular disease, some cancers, and diabetes) and psychological (reduced risk of depression, anxiety, and cognitive decline) but is dependent on the intensity, frequency, and type of activity (CDC, 2022). Unfortunately, this evidence-based strategy to achieve optimal health is underused and American workers are becoming heavier, sicker, and more sedentary (CDC, 2022; Gu et al., 2014). Although PA health programs are the most common health promotion program offered by industries, only 1%–25% of workers participate in these programs (CDC, 2018).
One reason for this unhealthy trend maybe that many workers do not understand the differences between leisure-time physical activity (LTPA) and occupational physical activity (OPA). LTPA is labeled as activity people do when they are not working or occupied, whereas OPA is activity people do related to their job description and timeframe (e.g.,10-hr work shift) (Shala, 2022). Research suggests that people with jobs characterized as having higher and varying degrees of OPA (e.g., manual labor, walking, standing), in reality, may not be very active nor does this type of OPA contribute to health benefits (Pearce et al., 2021). Findings by Prince et al. (2021) support the idea that LTPA improves cardiorespiratory fitness and workers with high OPA and low cardiorespiratory fitness could pose a greater risk for mortality compared to a worker with high OPA and high cardiorespiratory fitness. Because full-time employees work approximately 8-hr a day, it is imperative that worksites promote LTPA to their employees.
Numerous resources are available to the occupational health nurse to educate and encourage PA. The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (2018), released its second edition of “Physical Activity Guidelines for Americans.” The guidelines are based on scientific evidence and provide education and interventions, as well as specific guidelines for populations like Adults with Chronic Health Conditions. The guidelines provide instructions on how to get started exercising as well as the mental and physical health benefits of PA. “Exercise is Medicine®” (EIM) is managed by the American College of Sports Medicine. EIM provides free resources for health-care providers to improve physical activity. They offer handouts, population-specific exercise including activities for aging populations, diabetes, and other medical conditions, as well as other free resources (American College of Sports Medicine, 2021).
Occupational health nurses should engage workers and leadership in physical activities by promoting activities like walking, taking the stairs, or other activities that may decrease sedentary behaviors while at work. Providing education about the difference between LTPA and OPA is important for workers to understand, as are the benefits LTPA provides for overall health. Strategies such as access to onsite gyms, walking trails, and discounts for active commuting may lead to a culture of health and wellness in the work environment, improve employee health and financially benefit the company (CDC, 2022).
