Thesis (M.A. (Industrial Psychology))--North-West University, Vaal Triangle Campus, 2006.

Physical inactivity is identified as one of the major risk factors for the development of coronary heart diseases. It has been well documented in research literature that regular engagement in physical activity and healthy lifestyle habits has a positive influence on the risk of developing coronary heart diseases. Research literature reveals that these diseases have a negative influence on the productivity of the employee. In the light of the above mentioned, the fact has become clear that the health of the employee is of major concern to the employer. Healthy employees mean better productivity and better financial benefits for the company. The aim of this research is therefore to determine the physical activity, lifestyle and coronary index profiles of employees working at an electricity supply company in South Africa. Furthermore the aim is to determine the influence of physical activity and lifestyle on the coronary health of the same population. A total of one hundred and seventy nine (N=179) voluntary subjects between the ages of 26 and 65 years (46.1 ± 9.5), who were part of a non-random availability population, took part in the study. Data was collected by means of questionnaires. The Physical Activity Index questionnaire of Sharkey and Gaskill (2007) was used to collect data on the physical activity of respondents, the Lifestyle Index questionnaire of Belloc and Breslow (1972) was used to determine the lifestyle practises of the respondents and the Coronary Risk Index of Bjiirstrom en Alexiou (1978) was used to determine the coronary risk index of the respondents. The physical activity index profile of the respondents was classified as average (25.6 ± 35.6), as was the case with their lifestyle index profile (4.5 ± 1.3) and coronary risk index profile (25.5 ± 7.5). In spite of these findings, it was found that the majority of respondents in fact led a sedentary life (58.1%). That means that the respondents have an increased risk of developing coronary heart disease. The results further showed that age, exercise, gender and stress was identified as the major contributors to increased risk of developing coronary heart diseases. The fact emerged that the majority of respondents were unaware of their cholesterol, systolic and diastolic blood pressure status. These findings are problematic, for it is well documented in research literature that these three factors are major contributors to the development of coronary heart disease. In terms of the influence of physical activity and lifestyle on coronary health, a statistic meaningful (p < 0.05) difference was found in terms of physical activity and lifestyle habits on the coronary health of the employees. Wellness programs that are implemented by companies are of great value. These programs give the workers the opportunity to take responsibility for their health and provide them with the necessary tools to manage their health on optimal levels. Companies that succeed in motivating their staff to engage in these wellness programs, can empower their staff to care for their own health. This means less risk of developing coronary heart diseases, increased productivity and decreased absenteeism, sick leave and medical costs. / Thesis (M.A. (Human Movement Science))--North-West University, Potchefstroom Campus, 2009.

Thesis (M.Com. (Industrial Psychology))--North-West University, Potchefstroom Campus, 2009.

Thesis (M.S.)--University of Wisconsin -- La Crosse, 1986. / Includes bibliographical references (leaves 50-52).

Thesis (M.S.E.)--University of Wisconsin -- La Crosse, 2006. / Includes bibliographical references (leaves 35-36)

The search for better quality of life is in our human nature. Health and wellness tourism is therefore not a new phenomenon, but the business is growing in modern day society. Our stressful lives and the need to get away from it is one reason for this change. Traveling to a health destination is one way to increase our wellness state. The purpose of this study is to explore what aspects that effects the well-being of visitors of health destinations in the north. Using the theory of therapeutic landscapes as the theoretical framework, this was done by a case study of Källans spa, which is a spa facility in Västerbotten northern Sweden. People come here to get away from everyday life, relax and recharge in a natural environment.   Data collection was collected through interviews with overnight guests at Källans spa. The material has later been analysed using thematic analysis to find connections with therapeutic landscapes. Results show important aspects for well-being in the physical and social environment while well-being aspects from the spiritual environment appear weak.

abstract: Introduction: Several faith-based or faith-placed programs have focused on the physical dimension of wellness in efforts to improve health by increasing physical activity and improving diet behaviors. However, these programs were not designed to intervene on the mental dimension of wellness which is critical for stress reduction and health behavior change. Purpose: To evaluate the feasibility of a spirituality-based stress reduction and health behavior change intervention using the Spiritual Framework of Coping (SFC) model. Methods: This study was a quasi-experimental one group pretest posttest design. The study was a total of eight weeks conducted at a non-denominational Christian church. Participants were recruited from the church through announcements and flyers. The Optimal Health program met once a week for 1.5 hours with weekly phone calls during an additional four week follow-up period. Feasibility was assessed by the acceptability, demand, implementation, practicality, integration, and limited efficacy of the program. Analysis: Frequencies for demographics were assessed. Statistical analyses of feasibility objectives were assessed by frequencies and distribution of responses to feasibility evaluations. Limited efficacy of pretest and posttest measures were conducted using paired t-test (p <.05). Results: The Optimal Health Program was positively accepted by participants. The demand for the program was shown with average attendance of 78.7%. The program was successfully implemented as shown by meeting session objectives and 88% homework completion. The program was both practical for the intended participants and was successfully integrated within the existing environment. Limited efficacy changes within the program were mostly non-significant. Conclusion: This study tested the feasibility of implementing the Optimal Health program that specifically targeted the structural components of the Spiritual Framework of Coping Model identified to create meaning making and enhance well-being. This program may ultimately be used to help individuals improve and balance the spiritual, mental, and physical dimensions of wellness. However, length of study and limited efficacy measures will need to be reevaluated for program success. / Dissertation/Thesis / Ph.D. Exercise and Wellness 2012

Advancement of eco tourism with the building of a wellness centre. Consideration to indicators in strategies to build the new brand in order to maximise ROI / The purpose of this paper is to discuss how the health spas embark on marketing strategies and how they will deal with the increased consumer demand. On the one hand, a case study of two recognised health spas will illustrate how the spas integrate marketing strategies to build credible relationships with their customers and will demonstrate successes and failures of each health spa. On the other hand, an exploration of the market dynamics will present a consciousness of the customers’ expectations and suggest whether the level of service quality in the health spa is adequate to meet these needs. The practical implication of the study will assist in the design of a proposed model with best marketing practices for the sustainability of this competitive industry.

abstract: Water makes up about 45-70% of a human body's total weight. It is estimated that 80% of the human brain's tissue is composed of water. Cognitive productivity is altered when the body is in a mere 2% dehydrated state. Several cognitive functions impacted by dehydration include: visual motor tracing, short-term recall, attentiveness, and mathematic efficiency. It is estimated that 80% of the U.S. adult population endures the majority of their day in a mildly dehydrated state. Participants were employees working full-time jobs with Arizona State University or Tri Star Motor Company. Employees had to be 18 or older were invited to join the study. Employees participating in the study lived within the the greater Phoenix area. Participants of all races, genders, activity statuses, and BMIs were encouraged to join. A one-arm, pre-test, post-test study design was utilized. We examined whether the hydration status of participants in the intervention improved or worsened during the course of the intervention, and then attributed any such improvement or deterioration to the intervention. Urine collections from an afternoon sample were gathered before and after the one-week intervention. For the intervention, the participating offices received a water dispensing system in close proximity to employee desk spaces. A reusable water bottle was also given to each participant. Urine specific gravity (USG) was assessed in all urine samples to indicate hydration status, and all participants completed water intake surveys before and after the intervention. From this study, the overall change in water intake over the course of the one-week intervention was 143 ounces/day. This is an average of adding two and a half 8 oz glasses of water each day of the week per participant. USG also decreased significantly at the end of the intervention in comparison to the baseline value. In the greater body of research, this study strengthens the viability of inputting a hydration station and offering reusable water bottles to employees. This cost-effective method is an easy way to incorporate employee wellness in the workplace. The benefit of employees to drink more water is numerous, including increased focus, mental reactivity, and overall mood and wellness. / Dissertation/Thesis / Masters Thesis Nutrition 2018

BACKGROUND: Evidence suggests complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) therapies can be effective in treating certain chronic, recurrent, and incurable conditions. Use of CAM in pediatric populations is increasing considerably and uptake is especially evident among hospitalized children. Further, burnout among healthcare providers is increasing, affecting both their wellbeing and patient outcomes. At Banner Children's Diamond Children's Hospital, patients, families, and staff can receive CAM through the Integrative Touch for Kids™ (ITK) Hospital Heroes (HH) program. SIGNIFICANCE: Further study to evaluate HH is vital to understanding the quality of care delivered and recommendations for improvement. OBJECTIVES: Assess feasibility of evaluation of HH by Aim 1: Describing the vision and programmatic structure of the HH program. Aim 2: Achieving therapist consensus on referral, care coordination, and debriefing processes; Aim 3: Evaluating session impact on pain, fear/distress/anxiety, global/overall well-being, and satisfaction. Describe retrospective case studies to highlight valuable outcomes otherwise not represented. FRAMEWORKS & METHODS: The Centers for Disease Control & Prevention Framework for Program Evaluation in Public Health, elements from the Ethnographic Assessment of Evaluation Systems, and elements from Donabedian's Quality Framework were used to create a novel, theory-based, whole practice, program evaluation framework to evaluate HH via the following aims. Aim 1: Structure- Key- informant ethnographic interviews with ITK management (N=2) and self-completed questionnaires by HH therapists (N=4) were used to describe the program vision and structural elements. Interviews were transcribed and all data was de-identified, described, and summarized. Transcripts were converted into culturally-appropriate word clouds validated by participants. Univariate and descriptive statistics were used to assess questionnaire items related to human resources and quality rankings were assigned based on ITK standards. Aim 2: Process- The Delphi method was used by administering self-administered ethnographic questionnaires (N=3) to all HH therapists (N=4) to generate consensus on referrals, care coordination, and debriefing processes. Concept Maps were created for each element and validated by participants. Aim 3: Outcomes- Evaluation instruments were developed and piloted in collaboration with ITK stakeholders and data was collected over a two-month period representing nearly 50% of sessions administered by the HH therapists, from Aims 1 and 2, for 2017. Session and recipient characteristics for all sessions (N=95), regardless of recipient ability to report, were summarized. Pre/post changes were calculated using validated scales for pain, fear/distress/anxiety, global/ overall well-being, and likelihood to recommend the hospital. Session satisfaction rankings were collected post-session. Wilcoxon matched-pair signed-rank tests were done to calculate significant differences between median changes pre/post session for recipients able to respond and stratified by recipient type. Retrospective case studies (N=4) were described from data in the electronic health record and/or ITK records, as well as interviews with HH therapists. RESULTS: The program structure was described and quality of human resources met or exceeded criteria for most indicators of quality. Expert consensus on therapist interactions related to referrals, care-coordination, and debriefing was achieved. Evaluation of the HH program was determined feasible and in alignment with the program model and short-term vision. Strong evidence to support decreases in pain and fear/distress/anxiety, as well as increases in global overall well-being were observed in recipients able to report. High levels of satisfaction (mean≥9.0) and top-box rankings for likelihood to recommend the hospital overall, were reported. Retrospective case studies (N=4) highlighted additional outcomes from multiple perspectives. CONCLUSION: These results help to support ethnographic evaluation of the HH program, a holistic and integrative model of care, as ITK continues expanding and replicating the HH program within and beyond the current setting. Knowledge reported provides a new theory-based, whole practice, program evaluation model and expands existing evidence on CAM use in hospitalized pediatric patients.