Natural and organic foods retailer Whole Foods Market is looking out for the wellbeing of its employees next year by offering them incentives to measurably improve their health.

According to published reports, as part of the voluntary program, beginning January, Whole Foods team members will receive discounts of 20 percent to 30 percent on store items based on measurements of blood pressure, cholesterol levels, body-mass index, and whether they smoke.

The offer reflects CEO John Mackey’s belief that most health problems can be prevented — and that health care premiums can be lowered by employees taking better care of themselves through proper diet, exercise and other lifestyle changes.

Mobile laboratories will travel to Whole Foods stores to perform the health tests, and the program includes contests between regions to keep employees motivated, the reports said. Austin, Texas-based Whole Foods pays health care premiums for its 40,000 full-time employees, who make up more than 75 percent of its work force.