Email and Your Health
May 29, 2009
According to a report in the June, 2009 issue of the American Journal of Preventive Medicine, e-mail messages suggesting small ways to eat more healthfully or boost physical activity can significantly improve health habits.
HansKristian on flickr.com
Participants in a worksite e-mail program walked more, ate more fruits and vegetables and consumed less saturated fats and trans-fats than workers who didn’t receive the e-mails.
According to the lead investigator, Barbara Sternfeld, a senior research scientist with the Kaiser Permanente research division in Oakland, California, “It gets the behavior change that we’re looking for.”
The program appeared to have a lasting effect since the people in the program were still using their newly adopted, healthier behaviors.
Susan Finn, president and chief executive of the American Council for Fitness and Nutrition in Washington, D.C., said she’s not surprised that the email program succeeded, “especially in a workplace setting where people have easy access to a computer plus the support of colleagues.”
Research has shown that “people who have a support system in place are better able to maintain the behaviors that keep them working toward or maintaining a healthy weight.”
The email program was successful because it was convenient for people and easy to follow. People realized that “Oh, I can do this.”
Why not circulate our newsletter or this post around your office??
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