Description/Overview: The health and wellness of the American people is in critical condition. Although cardiovascular disease is technically the leading cause of death in Americans, behaviors are truly the number one killer, due to smoking, overeating, lack of physical activity, non-adherence to medications and suicidal gestures. Overweight and obesity will soon surpass tobacco as the number one cause of preventable death and disease in the United States. With the rapid increase in the prevalence of overweight and obesity, the Centers for Disease Control predict that one out of three Americans will have diabetes by 2050. Unfortunately, the health profile of health professionals, especially nurses, tends to follow the general population. How is it possible that knowledgeable professionals who dedicate their lives in service of others’ health tend to ignore their own? What strategies can be implemented to reverse these concerning trends? Investing in the health of the nursing workforce makes not only good economic sense (Weldon, 2011), a healthy work environment provides a variety of benefits to health care providers, the patients/families they care for and their employer.

Learner Objective #1: Discuss issues that are important to consider when addressing an “illness” culture to a “wellness” culture.

Learner Objective #2: Describe specific wellness strategies that promote individuals’ motivation and organizations’ movement to a wellness culture.