Workplace Wellness in Lincoln- March 2023

Healthy behaviors and wellness opportunities in the workplace continue to be implemented in offices around the country, though it can be difficult to maintain this standard in the new day and age where more and more people are working from home. Employers may be wondering how they can continue to encourage wellness when their team members are not in the office. On the flipside, employees who work at home may be interested in ways they can continue to maintain healthy behaviors away from their office that may have provided them with encouraging amenities, such as a gym, or find themselves becoming sedentary after spending so much time in their house.

An increasing percentage of employers across the country are adopting workplace wellness programs because research shows that, when done correctly, they effectively improve the health of employees, which, in turn, increases employee productivity. Workplace wellness programs also have been shown to reduce the number of reported workplace accidents resulting from overweight, tired, out-of-shape, stressed, and sleep-deprived workers. A recent Harvard University research study by economics professors found that every dollar employees invest in workplace wellness programs returns an estimated $3.27 in medical costs and a decrease of $2.73 in absentee-day costs.

It’s hard to choose where to start when it comes to wellness. We spoke to businesses and experts in our community to learn more about how we can all continue to improve wellness in the workplace, no matter where our workplace is at.

Providing the Best

Access Family Medicine (accessfamilymedicine.com) is full scope family practice. They treat and assist with managing all diseases of all ages. It is their top priority to meet their patients where they are on their health journey and get them to where they wish to be. As a Direct Primary Care clinic, Access Family Medicine offers their services to patients in many formats, including traditional office visits, email, text messaging, telemedicine, and after-hours emergency care.

When it comes to workplace wellness, Access Family Medicine wants to guarantee that they can provide your employees with the best benefits possible.

“We have many businesses that have purchased a membership to our clinic for their employees as a health benefit. It allows their employees to seek medical attention when they need it without the hassle of leaving work, which is a win-win for both the employees and employer,” said Dr. Todd Johnson, primary care physician and owner.

“I would encourage business owners to look at our model. Many companies can hardly afford health insurance for their employees. Our model gives their employees health care for a very affordable price. If you own a small business and are looking to offer your employees a real health benefit, contact our office for more information.”

There are multiple areas of our lives that we neglect due to time, inconvenience, or effort, and sleep is often one of them.

“Sleep is highly neglected, yet so critical to anyone’s well-being. Most people aren’t aware of what proper sleep is,” Todd explained. “Medical professionals today are recommending eight to ten hours per night, for all individuals.”

The Access Family Medicine office is designed for all work environments and all jobs. Their ultimate goal is to keep all people healthy and living their best life, at work and at home.

Get Your Body Moving

Feeling good outside of the workplace can almost guarantee that you’ll feel good when you’re at work. If the office has got you itching to move your body, Club Pilates (clubpilates.com/location/lincoln) is the place to go. The bright studio welcomes members into a supportive atmosphere where they can choose a class type fit perfectly for them, from high intensity and strength training to mobility and recovery.

An international brand, Club Pilates is a low-impact, effective fitness routine loved by people of all backgrounds all over the world. These full-body workouts strengthen muscles, improve posture, and correct muscle imbalances, helping members feel their best and live life to its fullest, all while offering a low impact workout that can accommodate everybody. Club Pilates offers Reformer-based Pilates as it incorporates other modalities like Chair, SpringBoard, and Jumpboard for low-impact, core strengthening workouts.

It may be hard to find time to work out or get exercise in after a long day at work, especially with a family or kids at home. Since having a healthy body and mind can contribute to the quality of work you put into your profession, companies have a wellness program that allows a discount to employees for making wellness a priority. Check with your HR director to see if your company provides something like this.“

These days, it is hard to have a good work/ life balance. Many people are taking care of children as well as aging parents while working outside the home,” Club Pilates Owner Christine Krueger said.

“In order to provide for all of those other people, you have to take care of yourself first. Carving out an hour a day for your health and wellness is something you should not skip. Invest in you!”

Working from home can also be stressful because you don’t ever turn work off. Taking time out for your health is extremely important whether working from the office or working from home. If you find yourself checking your work email while sitting on the couch in the evening, signing up for a Pilates class where you are forced to focus only on the movement of your body can help you destress and release the tension of the work day.

Club Pilates not only has nearly 800 studios open in North America, but is also one of the largest providers of a comprehensive Pilates Teacher Training Program in the world; the 500-hour program is designed to thoroughly and safely teach group Reformer Pilates classes along with TRX and Triggerpoint. Club Pilates is opening in Lincoln at 8222 Holdrege St. in the spring of this year. They are excited to help the Lincoln community reach their goals and enjoy this beneficial exercise.

Focus on Relief

At Arthritis Relief Specialists of Lincoln (arthritisreliefspecialists.com), they help people suffering with osteoarthritis of the knee eliminate their knee pain without surgery. In addition, they incorporate preventative measures into their treatment approach so their patients can avoid future episodes of knee pain.

Arthritis Relief Specialists provides specialized medical services exclusively for people looking for ways to quickly and easily end their chronic pain caused by osteoarthritis. Osteoarthritis (OA) is the most common type of arthritis and the most common joint condition worldwide. In the U.S. alone, OA accounts for more than 25% of all visits to primary care providers and half of all anti-inflammatory during prescriptions.

Joint replacement surgery, once considered a last resort, is expected to reach 3.4 million cases by the year 2030, an increase of 673% since 2006. Replacing your natural joint with an artificial joint can lead to complications such as blood clots, infection, pain in other joints, and long recovery times due to limited range of motion. In light of these complications, there is some good news. Relief from your knee pain and lost function can be achieved using a promising nonsurgical technique. The Advanced Arthritis Relief Protocol is an FDA approved medical breakthrough for pain associated with osteoarthritis. The procedure actually prevents cartilage breakdown, promotes tissue growth, and restores function to the affected joint. Studies published in several prestigious medical journals cite decreases in joint pain, cartilage destruction, and bone damage along with improvements in function.

If you’ve tried everything to get rid of your knee pain and have been told your only other option is joint replacement surgery, here’s news: Arthritis Relief Specialists of Lincoln has developed a knee arthritis treatment program specifically designed for people looking for a way to stay active, eliminate their pain and stiffness, and avoid joint replacement surgery. The program involves a combination of restorative and interventional non-surgical medical procedures that have literally changed the lives of hundreds of osteoarthritis knee pain sufferers… even those told they need joint replacement surgery.

To help you get a clear picture of what your life could be without chronic and severe arthritis pain, they invite you to schedule a free consultation. In less than an hour, you’ll receive an assessment of your problem and provided with the best recommendations you’ll need to recover quickly and begin enjoying the life you know you deserve.

Get Glowing

It may seem superficial to care about your physical appearance at the workplace, but many professions require a polished look. Even if you don’t have a dress code at work, the possibility of meeting new people or getting your photograph taken is always something to keep in mind. If you want to put your best foot, or face, forward, look no further than Lincoln’s newest skincare experts, Skin Experts (skinexperts.com/skin-experts-lincoln).

Skin Experts combines technology from Europe and Asia with carefully curated ingredients that work synergistically to help skin look fuller, fresher, and younger. The skin care includes natural ingredients such as rose extract, hyaluronic acid, probiotics, micro-algae, bakuchiol, and hemp seed oil. These may seem complicated but their lasting effects are quite simple. The ingredients create an uplifting natural aroma full of antioxidants and skin-refreshing properties, draws and maintain moisture from the environment directly to the skin, creates conditions for the skin to look younger, healthier, and more even. They also combat the effects of the environment and digital devices to reduce signs of aging. They are filled with a gentle retinol alternative that gives antioxidant protection for a healthy glow, safe for sensitive skin, and are rich in antioxidants and fatty acids which may help protect the surface of the skin to hydrate and soothe skin. The products are always free of harmful sulfates, phthalates, toxins, artificial colors, GMOS, and artificial fragrance.

“The best way to show up to work is with glowing skin! Our revolutionary facials will have you looking your best at every networking event or big meeting. All of our facials are customizable for individuals based on their skin concerns and needs,” explained Regina Read, spa director.

“If you’re looking for a last minute way to look refreshed at the office, our Express Facial is the perfect refresher to keep your skin glowing.”

Skin Experts is always diversifying their products and services, and offer new seasonal services for ultimate renewal and relaxation that complements anyone’s skincare routine. For the ultimate glowing skin, try the luxury Glö Serum, described as “The Holy Grail of Facial Serums” by Bella Magazine. This light, repairing, luxury facial oil synergistically blends Full Spectrum CBD, balancing probiotics, hydrating omega-3 fatty acids, and antioxidants in its technologically advanced patent-pending formula of over 15 botanicals to provide you with a radiance that continues to amaze.

“At Skin Experts, we feel everyone deserves a luxurious experience to treat themselves, which is why we offer luxury skincare and facials at an affordable price! If you purchase a gift card for $200, get a gift card for $50. As well, our affordable luxury skincare line, QÚL Beauty, is a revolutionary skincare collection with various options to keep your skin glowing between appointments,” Regina shared. “Our Hydrating Rose Water is an uplifting facial mist with potent skincare benefits perfect for those who are skincare obsessed, or our Muscle & Joint Body Cream is perfect for relaxing after a long day at work.”

See your skin transform with monthly facials and professional guidance from the skin experts. Their membership includes one Signature Facial and 10% off all products to maintain the glow at home. Other membership benefits include 15% off products when you purchase four or more, and if you can’t make your appointment, they accumulate month over month so you never miss out!

Walk it Out

The concept of going for a run or walk is quite simple – just walk out the door and you are on your way. However, as the Lincoln Running Co. (lincrunningcompany.com) pointed out, it is not easy! One way employers could encourage their office to get moving is through weekly or monthly challenges for time spent outside walking or running. Another alternative is to sign the office up as a team for a run or walk event.

“The Lincoln Running Co. has a Beginner’s Luck beginning running program that starts this summer,” shared Manager Ann Ringlein.

“It runs for eight weeks, and features a speaker and a run each week. By the end of the eight weeks, the participants will be ready to complete a 5K!”

Ann explained that being consistent when beginning an exercise program is the top thing to help people stick with exercising and improve. The second most important factor is finding a group to be accountable to. The Beginner’s Luck program provides both of those things for people looking to begin a run or walk program.

“We have the time, the knowledge, the passion, and the empathy to help people get moving,” said Ann. “We want to arm our customers with everything they need to start a running or walking program for themselves. Lincoln Running Co. has everything from the equipment needed – such as shoes, socks, and apparel – to a training program they can take home with them or a walking/ running class to sign up for. We take care of our customers from the ground up!”

The Lincoln Running Co. is so much more than a store that sells shoes. While it is their mission to get everyone in a great pair of shoes that make them want to exercise, Lincoln Running Co. is truly selling healthy lifestyles. Visit them today to see how they can help you encourage wellness in your workplace.

Motivation When You Need It

Another awesome gym that works hard to keep you engaged and stick with your goals is Capital City Fitness & Performance (tfwlincoln.com). They are a locally owned small business that has been helping the city of Lincoln get fit for the past 14 years!

The gym has outgrown two locations before landing at its current facility, located in the Clock Tower Shopping Center at 6891 A St. The team at Capital City Fitness & Performance focus on nutrition and lifelong wellness. They offer a holistic approach to fitness, delivering results through researched training methods, ongoing learning opportunities for clients, and having an awesome staff who really care about each individual.

Capital City Fitness & Performance is home to the only Training for Warriors (TFW) affiliate in Lincoln, which is a group training program that encompasses signature warmups, speed training, strength training, endurance training, flexibility work, and nutrition with a unique motivational approach and welcoming family environment. They know that if you don’t have fun and enjoy the training, you won’t do it. TFW is not designed as a sport or competition, but focuses on you competing against and bettering your body, mind, and spirit.

Back to 100%

Going back to work after an injury or other health issue can be tough, but with a professional at your side helping you get back on your feet, the opportunities are endless. Husker Rehab (huskerrehab.com) proudly offers therapy services in five clinics in four different Nebraska cities, where they serve physicians and their patients with unique, highly-intensive, highly-customized rehabilitation, wellness, and preventative care therapies that make a difference in people’s lives. They listen to every patient’s needs and desires, analyze the problem, and figure out ways to get people moving again.

“Husker Rehab provides instruction in general activity guidelines to help you through your work day. This might include activities like taking the stairs, walking at lunch, or getting up to move around every hour. We also can provide detailed instruction in proper ergonomics, including how to sit or stand in the optimal position at a computer or work space,” said Ben Petersen, DPT.

“We can discuss proper set up at your work space, including things like where you might put your keyboard, what height your monitor should be, and where you could place your phone and other work devices. We tend to put different items around our work space in convenient spots. The problem is, that might cause us to continually reach or lean to one dominant side. This creates postural imbalance and could lead to pain issues or ROM restrictions. We can help with exercises to restore balance and limit restrictions.”

Ben and the team at Husker Rehab help people in all kinds of industries. They understand the toll that even office jobs can have on our bodies and hope that employers start prioritizing their employees’ health.

“I would absolutely encourage employers to look into setting up some kind of wellness program for their employees. This can help to keep your employees healthy, happy, and productive. It can also show your employees that you value them,” explained Ben.

If you work from home, the services at Husker Rehab can be catered to you.

“What Husker Rehab can provide to clients is absolutely applicable to a work-from-home situation. You may even have a little more flexibility at home in arranging a functional work station. With proper instruction, you can arrange your chair, desk, keyboard, and whatever else you need in the optimal set up, explained Ben. “If you have some prescribed exercises to go along with this, you will have the convenience of being able to perform them in the comfort of your own home. Employers may be able to support this by providing breaks during the day for employees to stretch or exercise, providing ergonomically friendly work equipment for home use, or even setting up virtual wellness activities between all employees.”

Reach out to these local professionals today to learn more about how they can help you improve wellness in your workplace, whether it’s in the office or at your home!