Living On WELL Street

The Chicago Sun-Times recently reported on a couple of Chicago area businesses that are taking steps to address the health and well-being of their workforces. "Local companies help employees improve health" (Tammy Chase, 8/22/11) describes the efforts being made at MacNeal Hospital and Blue Star Energy to engage in employees in health-enhancing activities. The article states that less than 1/2 of of businesses offer some sort of a wellness program, and the primary reason that it's offered is to reduce medical costs. Johnson and Johnson, one of the first major employers to implement workplace wellness initiatives, claims that they have realized a return on investment of $2.71 for every $1 spent. If happier, healthier and more productive workers are good for business, and actually reduce costs or increase revenues, why aren't more companies promoting a healthy work culture? 

The answer to the question will vary from company to company, however, three of the most common reasons include:

• It's too costly
• We don't know what to do
• It shouldn't be our responsibility

The cost objection is one of the easiest to address. Conservative estimates, based on numerous studies, show that an ROI of $3 for every $1 spent on worksite wellness can be realized. I recently heard the President of Robinson Engineering, Chris King, speak about his company's employee wellness program. He reported a return on investment of close to $10 for each dollar spent. Reduced absenteeism, medical costs and employee turnover, as well as increased productivity measures, are some of the most common ways to gauge the ROI of a wellness program.

A lack of information on how to implement wellness activities often leads to inaction. Encouraging people to move more and eat healthier is not rocket science. Form a wellness team from your workforce and watch the ideas flow. Companies that are doing it will be happy to share their experience with you. The three organizations that are mentioned in this blog are great examples of "organic" growth and would be happy to offer their advice.

The belief that a person's health and well-being is a personal matter and should be left at the workplace doorstep is the most difficult objection to overcome. Most of our waking hours are spent at work. What goes on there is important to our health and happiness. For a workplace wellness program to be successful and sustainable, it has to be valued and promoted from the top of the organization on down. 

A new report today predicts that 1/2 of the U.S. population will be obese by 2030, up from 32% currently. Along with that will come 7.8 million new cases of diabetes, 6.8 million extra coronary heart disease and stroke conditions, and 539,000 more cancer patients. These statistics will impact businesses in costs and productivity. Promoting a healthy work culture that costs little, but promises big savings, seems like a no-brainer.

Live WELL!

M. J. 

Darren Hardy, publisher of Success Magazine and author of The Compound Effect, issued a challenge yesterday to anyone looking to improve a relationship.  In his article, "THANKS-Giving Challenge", Hardy offers a guaranteed approach to transforming a relationship over the next 90 days leading up to Thanksgiving Day. His suggestion is to spend a few minutes each day reflecting on a special person in your life, and journaling your thoughts on paper. On Thanksgiving, present these reflections to your special person. Not only will it make a major impression on the recipient, but the daily process will give you an entirely new appreciation for the person. 

Thanksgiving is 90 days away, however, you do not have to wait 3 months to be thankful for all the good things that you enjoy. Start your "Thanks Giving" journal today and start making an immediate difference in a very important relationship.

WELL Street's "Express Gratitude" workplace wellness challenge engages employees in activities that lead to improved morale and relationships at work. For a free copy of this challenge, send me an email at michaelw@wellstreetusa.com.

Give THANKS!

M. J. 

"A Sleep Battle of the Sexes", by Andrea Petersen (The Wall Street Journal, 8/23/11), compares the sleep patterns of men and women, and questions if the differences contribute to women enjoying better health and longer lives. Studies show that women, on average, sleep 19 more minutes per night than men and enjoy a deeper sleep. The article also shares that:

• Women awaken fewer times during the night than men do.
• Women suffer less from sleep deprivation.
• Men are more satisfied than women with the quantity and quality of sleep that they get.
• Some research shows that people wake up more and have less deep sleep when they sleep with another person, however, they are more satisfied with their sleep when they do.
• Men's circadian period (physical, mental and behavioral changes that follow a roughly 24-hour cycle) is 24 hours and 11 minutes versus 24 hours and 5 minutes for women.
• Study shows that women, on average, fell asleep in 9.3 minutes versus 23.2 minutes for men.
• Study demonstrates that women, on average, sleep 7 hours and 43 minutes compared to 7 hours and 24 minutes for men.
• Research reveals that men need a nap to acquire certain knowledge, whereas women do not.

Good posture has been a pet peeve of mine ever since I viewed a photograph of myself standing at attention as an 18 year old in Army basic training. I did not appear to have the soldierly bearing that I desired, because of my slouching stance. A year later, I entered the U.S. Military Academy at West Point and was recommended for "posture training". It made me appreciate the musculoskeletal influences that go into proper body alignment. My efforts to address this over the years have been successful, thanks in large part to weight training and a conscious attempt to always "stand tall". However, the tendency to slouch in some of my own children and computer-bound friends have made me a life-long crusader for proper comportment.

An upright bearing is physically more appealing and provides measurable health benefits. A recent workplace study in Israel showed significant posture improvement in employees when workers were shown ongoing webcam photos of themselves at their workstations. Increased awareness, through frequent photo evaluation, reduced slouching and provided the benefit of less pain and discomfort in the workers studied.

LIVESTRONG.com recommends a balanced combination of exercises to correct and maintain proper posture including:

• Forward-flexing abdominal exercises balanced with back extensions
• Chest workout balanced with upper back exercises

A good posture looks good and feels good. If you want to realize the benefits, ask a family member, friend or co-worker to remind you when they catch you slouching. Or, if you really want results, monitor your workstation with a webcam. Either way, you will become more conscious of your desired body position and will make corrections that will lead to lasting improvement.

Stand Tall!

M. J. 

A New York Times article, "Preaching a Healthy Diet in the Deep-Fried Delta" (Campbell Robertson, 8/21/11), details the efforts of Reverend Michael O. Minor to bring the gospel of healthy eating to his church members in the Mississippi Delta.  Mississippi is recognized as the most unhealthy state in the country. Mississippians rank:

• first in percentage of children who are obese
• first in rate of heart disease
• second in the number of adults with diabetes
• second in adult obesity
• near last in percentage of adults who participate in physical activity
• near last in fruit and vegetable consumption
• last in life expectancy

Fried food, laden with fat and salt, has been a staple of the Mississippi Delta diet for many generations. Efforts to change people's eating habits have met with little success - at least until Reverend Minor started preaching a healthy message from the pulpit. The minister's message is spreading through the 10,000 churches and 7 million members of the National Baptist Convention. Minor's goal is to have a "health ambassador" in every church that will lead the charge in promoting a healthy culture.

WELL Street works with businesses of all kinds to promote a healthy culture at work, where adults spend so much of their time. The same approach that leads to happier, healthier and more energetic workers will benefit people in any organization, including houses of worship. The health issues that we face in this country must be addressed at home, at work and even at church. A spiritual life demands a disciplined approach in how we conduct our lives. Neglecting the same discipline in our physical life is harmful to our health and to our soul. We need more clergy like Reverend Minor who are not afraid to preach that "What is good for the body is good for the soul."

Live WELL!

M. J.

Love him or hate him, you have to admire the disciplined changes that Bill Clinton has made to improve his health.  A Wall Street Journal Health Blog article, "Want to Be a Vegan Like Bill Clinton? Here's Some Food for Thought." (Katherine Hobson, 8/18/11) explains that the former President's concern for his cardiovascular led to his transformation from hamburger junkie to a vegan (one who follows a plant-based diet and does not eat meat, dairy products or eggs). The author warns though that a vegan diet must be done right, if the health benefits are to be realized.  Vegans must ensure that they get proper levels of the following groups of nutrients:

1. Calcium and vitamin D - found in soy and almond milk, as well as orange juice
2. Protein, iron and zinc - available in beans, nuts, seeds and soy products
3. Vitamin B12 - fortified products like plant milk, some cereals, substitute meat products and a form of nutritional yeast
4. Omega-3 fatty acids - can be gotten from walnuts, flaxseeds and chia seeds

A video clip of Michigan State's quarterback, Kirk Cousins, speaking at the Big Ten's Kickoff Luncheon, is one of the best examples of a young man expressing gratitude for his fortunate circumstances.  His message: privilege should lead to an increased sense of responsibility. Enjoy and share this inspiring 7 minute video.

Be Grateful!

M. J. 

A USA Today article "Addiction a brain disorder, not just bad behavior" reports on a new definition for addiction by the American Society for Addiction Medicine.  It's the result of 20 years of research that has examined the relationship between addiction and brain function. The findings suggest that the brain's reward system can be altered as the chemical dopamine conditions it to continue to desire something that provides pleasure. Even after the pleasure wears off, the physical changes in the brain will continue to demand the pleasure-giving substance.

The National Institute on Drug Abuse estimates that 23 million Americans need treatment for substance abuse. Only 2 million receive it. The new definition is not meant to excuse addictive behaviors, diminish personal responsibility, or discourage conventional treatment. Rather, it will hopefully remove some of the stigma attached to it and lead to new treatments that address the brain circuitry that contributes to addiction.

Live WELL!

M. J.

The average American spends about 20 minutes face-to-face with a physician during an office visit (National Center for Health Statistics 2001-2006).  The highest estimate that I have read is that only 21% of us receive an annual physical (National Health Federation).  These statistics suggest that not many of us are seeing a primary care physician on a regular basis for preventive care.  And, when we do see a doctor for any reason, we don't spend much time with him or her.  To maximize the limited time we have, it is important to prepare in advance.

A few years ago I began the practice of writing down any issues that I wanted to discuss with my primary physician before I meet with him for an annual physical.  The information includes any health concerns that I have and details of any medications or supplements that I am taking. I email it to him a couple days before my visit and bring a copy to present when I check in for the appointment.  It has proven very helpful in getting the most out of the time spent with the doctor.  A New York Times article, "How a Patient Can Help a Doctor Give the Best Care" (by Jane E. Brody, 9/29/08) offers ten suggestions to help you prepare for a doctor's visit:

1. Write down your questions before the visit and present them when you arrive at the office.
2. Keep a diary of any symptoms and bring it with you to your appointment.
3. Keep a list of all medications and supplements that you are taking and bring it with you.
4. Write down what the doctor tells you about your condition and how to treat it.
5. Know your personal and family medical history before going to the doctor.
6. Give an honest account of your lifestyle.
7. Practice preventive care between doctor visits.
8. Ask if the doctor uses email to respond to patient's non-urgent medical needs.
9. If you are told over the phone to go to the emergency room, just do it!
10. Get a second opinion if you are diagnosed with a serious condition, told that you need surgery, or question a test results.

An article caught my attention this morning that normally would not have. I lost my mother a few days ago and have received condolences in many forms. For whatever reason, the hand written cards and letters have touched me the most. Maybe, because the written word is often more thoughtfully crafted and is captured forever on paper, it conveys a different feeling than other forms of communication. This is not to suggest that an email or phone call cannot be more meaningful and appreciated. Rather, different forms of communicating affect people differently. 

"Don't write off the joys of a personal letter" (USA Today, Kim Painter, 8/10/11) offers five ways to write a "gift-wrapped thought", a personal letter:

1. Use handwriting - type, if you scribble like I do!
2. Use simple stationery
3. Address the envelope first to visualize the recipient
4. Write about something that is meaningful to the recipient. Make it a conversation.
5. Pay attention to the letter's appearance. Write a draft if necessary.

The act of writing a letter, and the joy in receiving one, both contribute to an enhanced sense of well-being. Treat yourself and someone else to a large dose of good feelings this week. Sit down and write a letter to someone you care about.

Live WELL!

M. J.