A Program of Heart Disease Intervention for Public Employees

To apply existing knowledge of the epidemiological precursors of cardiovascular disease and therein modify risk factors associated with its ubiquitous mortality and morbidity, a behavior modification program was implemented for characteristically sedentary state employees. Available to employees regardless of age, sex, salary or health status, the program was supported by federal, state and employee contributions. A formal, 15-week primary intervention consisting of a progressive physical conditioning program (one hour/day, three days/week) was complemented by eight one-hour seminars. An ongoing secondary intervention program reinforced previously incorporated lifestyle modifications and provided opportunity for further lifestyle modification. The five-year experience involving 847 employees resulted in favorable modifications in risk factors, amelioration of health problems and reductions in employee absenteeism. Similar programs should be implemented to facilitate self-health principles and practices and encourage modifications of self-imposed risks.