INDIANAPOLIS (WISH) — The American Heart Association and Delta Dental of Michigan, Ohio and Indiana have joined forces to create a digital playbook to improve wellness and reduce stress for workers.
The initiative called Whole Health Matters is designed specifically for companies to help educate employees about the importance of mental health. Employees can learn how to incorporate strategies to stay mentally fit through online training, assessments and via social media. Modules include ways to stay active, the importance of journaling as well as suggestions for apps and podcasts to help newbies learn meditation.
“Our area of expertise … has always been oral health,” Carmen L. Argersinger, manager of strategic partnerships at Delta Dental, told News 8. “However, we are always pushing ourselves to think bigger … and broaden our focus. We reached out to the American Heart Association knowing they have access to a wide variety of medical and scientific experts in areas beyond just heart health.”
The coronavirus, job and financial related-stress have been disrupted since March when the outbreak was declared a pandemic. But although states are lifting restrictions and people are headed back to the office, negative mental burdens still remain. COVID-19 fears and anxieties have upended everyday life and could have a lasting impact if not addressed.
“Taking time to do things that positively impact your mental health is important every day,” Argersinger said. “And we want to encourage people to start daily practices of caring for their mental health now.”