GetFit was inspired by a recognition that many dedicated employees—at all levels, in most workplaces—are exposed to health risks, such as a high level of stress (at work or at home). The information and tools at GetFit are designed to help employees gain or maintain healthy lifestyles. When combined with appropriate care, healthy lifestyles can protect against many of these risks and build lasting health.

Some of the habits that make up healthy lifestyles are eating right, keeping physically fit, getting enough sleep, cultivating good mental health, avoiding risky behaviors (including substance abuse), staying safe at work and at home, striving to live a balanced life, getting regular preventive care, and promptly receiving any needed treatment.

At GetFit, employees can confidentially explore a wide array of resources for leading healthier lifestyles and improving physical and mental health.

Many Features to Meet Many Needs

GetFit includes

• Articles, and reports on a broad range of physical and mental health topics
• The latest health news from dozens of Federal agency daily news feeds
• Health glossaries
• Health quizzes
• Answers to many frequently asked questions about physical and mental health issues
• Links to many Web sites on physical fitness, nutrition, stress, and accident prevention
• A message board with useful information on activities, classes, and materials
• Tips for staying healthy and safe on the job
• Featured reports of special interest to employees in particular occupations
• Information on health effects with tips on making healthy decisions
• Links to many confidential assessment tools and diagnostic tests
• Information on local resources employees can turn to for various health issues
• GetFit Where You Are, with links on national, State, and local resources for improving their quality of life At Work, At Home, At Play, and In the Community
• A calendar of events

GetFit is based on a 3-year study conducted by Dr. Robert Matano and colleagues at Stanford University School of Medicine. Under SAMHSA’s direction, GetFit has been adapted and greatly expanded with resources from SAMHSA grantees, other credible sources within the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services and other U.S. Government agencies, medical organizations, nursing organizations, and other groups serving the public interest.


Workplaces can easily customize GetFit. For example, they can

• Add health topics of special interest
• Change or augment the Web site text
• Add links to Web sites and reports or other materials
• Add daily news feeds
• Add links to national, State, and local resources for improving quality of life At Work, At Home, At Play, and In the Community
• Change the look of the Web site by modifying the screen color and font size and by adding their own logo

GetFit is appropriate for any health- and safety-conscious organization or group. Public agencies, private businesses, unions, nonprofits, associations, schools, and hospitals are a few examples. Wherever employees work and live, GetFit can help them and their families enjoy better health and quality of life.