Smoking harms nearly every organ of the body. Cigarette smoking causes 87% of lung cancer deaths, and it is responsible for many other cancers and health problems, including lung disease, heart and blood vessel disease, stroke and cataracts. 

Program Objectives:

1. The Workplace Wellness Program will work with Mission Health Systems to bring smoking cessation resources, including courses and one-on-one counseling, to the UNC Asheville campus.

2. Through brochures and periodic announcements, the program will improve the awareness of the State Health Plan's smoking cessation resources, including the nicotine replacement patch program.

UNC Asheville on the Move

Health claims for UNC Asheville employees indicate Hypertension as the most prevalent condition for faculty and staff, and employees also ranked exercise and weight as their top two health concerns. Since weight gain and hypertension are strongly related to the lack of physical activity, the Workplace Wellness Program seeks to bolster exercise programs.

Program Objectives:

1. Through brochures and open-house events, the program seeks to improve the use of on-campus fitness facilities by employees.

2. The Workplace Wellness Program will continue to sponsor the "All Walks of Life Walking Club."

3. Through a partnership with Facilities Management, the program will improve the walking trail system with upgraded signage, color-coded routing, new maps, and a trail utilization incentive program.

It's hard to argue with the health benefits of a diet rich in vegetables and fruits.  Lower blood pressure, reduced risk of stroke and heart disease, reduced risk of some cancers, lower risk of eye and digestive problems, and a mellowing effect on blood sugar all make the case for higher levels of fruit and vegetable intake.

Program Objectives:

1. In partnership with Dining Services and Catering, the Workplace Wellness Program will help to enhance and promote the healthy offerings available on the catering menu.

2. In partnership with Athletics and the campus vending vendor, the program seeks to double the offerings of healthy snacks available in campus vending machines.

3. A number of complimentary "healthy-eating" lunch-and-learn workshops will be offered through the 2009-2010 academic year.

4. The program seeks to increase participation by faculty and staff in the Community Supported Agriculture Program and the on-campus tailgate market through various awareness campaigns.