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  1. Mind
  2. Health and wellness awareness

Health and wellness awareness

Features>Mind>84. Health and wellness awareness

84. Health and wellness awareness

This feature promotes the availability of health and wellness literature, including detailed descriptions of WELL features and their benefits. A library of information provides an additional educational resource that encourages deeper understanding of health and wellness behaviors.

Health literacy, defined by the Institute of Medicine as “the degree to which individuals can obtain, process, and understand the basic health information and services they need to make appropriate health decisions” is essential for optimal health and well-being. Literacy requires awareness and an ability to decipher health literature and options for health services. Both accessibility and customizability of health-oriented literature are necessary to promote increased health awareness and well-being.

Part 2: Health and Wellness Library

A digital and/or physical library of resources is provided that focuses on mental and physical health and meets the following criteria:

a. Contains at least one book title or one magazine subscription for every 20 occupants (no more than 20 titles are required).
b. Is prominently displayed and readily available to all occupants.
Part 3: Health and Wellness Narrative

A written document provides a narrative on a health and wellness curriculum that incorporates all of the following:

a. The impact of the built environment and other environmental factors on occupant health, wellness and comfort.
b. The promotion of heathy habits as related to WELL Concepts of air, water, nourishment, light, fitness, comfort and mind.
c.136 The EPA's IAQ Tools for Schools, by school administrators.

Applicability Matrix

Core & Shell New & Existing Buildings New & Existing Interiors
Part 1: WELL Building Standard® Guide P P P
Part 2: Health and Wellness Library P P P
Commercial Kitchen Education Multifamily Residential Restaurant Retail
Part 1: WELL Building Standard® Guide - P P P P
Part 2: Health and Wellness Library - P P P P
Part 3: Health and Wellness Narrative - P - - -

Verification Methods Matrix

Letters of Assurance Annotated Documents On-Site Checks
PART 1 (Protocol)
WELL Building Standard® Guide 		Visual Inspection
PART 2 (Protocol)
Health and Wellness Library 		Visual Inspection
PART 3 (Design)
Health and Wellness Narrative 		Architect

136

U.S. Environmental Protection Agency. The Indoor Air Quality Tools for Schools Approach - Providing a Framework for Success. http://www.epa.gov/iaq/schools/pdfs/framework.pdf. Updated March 12, 2015. Accessed March 25, 2015.
84.3.c The U.S. EPA notes that the IAQ Tools for Schools Framework can provide guidance on the purpose of the IAQ Framework, which can translate into environmental health achievements in schools.
Features>Mind>84. Health and wellness awareness