employees embarked on a "wellness'' programme, an Island Health and Psychological consultant this week told a luncheon meeting of the Hamilton Lions Club.

"Wellness must be a community effort,'' said Jenny Smatt. And that effort starts not only at home, but in the workplace as well.

A consultant with the Employee Assistant Programme, Ms Smatt advises clients ranging from Government to exempt companies on how to instil an appreciation for physical activity.

"A healthy employee is a productive employee,'' she said, and in today's economy we cannot afford to ignore our health. EAP is presently assisting about 130 local corporations in devising wellness strategies.

These range from physical exercise programmes, to life-style and diet counselling, to stress management.

And while many in the corporate community have recognised the value of a healthy workforce, workers too have to realise health consciousness starts at home.

"Wellness is a long-term investment,'' she added. Pointing studies indicate the average male who watches three hours of television per day is two-times more likely to be obese than those who are more active.

"The employee must also accept partial responsibility for their wellness,'' she said.

HEALTHY -- Health consultant Jenny Smatt.

HEALTH HTH