Workplace Holistic Health & Wellness: Primary care program to address lifestyle disorders

Abstract

The global upsurge in lifestyle diseases, constituting 74% of global fatalities, poses a critical threat. No communicable diseases (NCDs), including cardiovascular conditions and diabetes, are increasingly burdening low- and middle-income countries. To address this, integrating primary healthcare with public health strategies, as advocated by the 1978 Alma-Ata Declaration, is essential. This approach emphasizes community participation and equitable access to care. Moreover, adopting a holistic wellness paradigm—encompassing physical, mental, and spiritual well-being—extends beyond the  traditional definitions of health Such integration fosters sustainable, community-centered health systems capable of effectively managing the NCD crisis. A historical perspective on wellness and its roots in ancient Indian practices, including yoga and Ayurveda, underscores its significance. A wellness program, as a primary care strategy, addresses lifestyle diseases by promoting awareness and preventing diseases before complications arise. Understanding and fostering different dimensions of wellness—physical, spiritual, occupational, financial, environmental and mental well being—become pivotal. Amid global health challenges, recognizing well-being's various aspects becomes essential for individual and societal flourishing. The study proposes a workplace wellness model, emphasizing its positive impact on individual and organizational productivity. Implementation among university students aims to improve academic and social performances, creating a healthier youth community. The model integrates regular wellness sessions, screening for NCDs, and evidence-based lifestyle management, with future intensive studies required for validation. This effort aims to instill the belief that wellness is not a destination but a way of life, fostering a healthier and more resilient future.