The sudden death from coronary artery disease of Tim Russert, an esteemed journalist, has given us the impetus to do a reality check of our own health. Although there are those who have incorporated healthy lifestyle behaviors into their daily routine, many still dont pay attention to the signs and signals that their bodies are sending out. Life these days has become fast paced, stressful and to some extent uncertain. The ups and downs of the economy sometimes forces businesses to make tough choices and downsize, leaving many looking for new ways to support themselves and their families. Technology has surpassed our expectations but has it really made our life easier? Why does it seem to take something drastic has to happen before we choose to take positive action? We tend to lose our health by doing the “Dont” (i.e. smoking); not doing the “Should” (i.e. eat sensibly and exercise regularly); and when we finally decide to make a change, we usually do it the “Wrong” way (i.e. cut out everything at once and exercise too hard).
Businesses big and small are beginning to encourage employees to think about their health by providing opportunities at the worksite for them to do so. The Senior Executive Team at Seitlin Insurance & Advisory Services, through a team of employees known as the Seitlin Wellness Action Team (S.W.A.T.) has created a “wellness” culture throughout the organization, to help all employees on their walk to a healthier lifestyle. The company walks the talk with on site health education workshops, healthy reimbursements, providing healthier snacks in the lunchroom and participating in community activities such as the Annual Fitness Run & CEO Fitness Challenge.
Steve Jackman, Seitlin Chairman stated recently: “I am amazed by the positive changes I have witnessed in peoples lives and the lives of their families. Our statistical data supports the notion that participation in wellness programs reduces health claims and positively impacts employer costs.” Return on Investment (ROI) is important without a doubt, but perhaps also thinking of ROI as the Right Operating Initiative has been another factor in the success of the Seitlin Program. Seitlin now helps other companies to build their own wellness programs with our Workplace Wellness Support Services.
Taking responsibility for ones own health management is the key to successful wellness programs at work, as well as helping to keep ones body, mind and spirit balanced. No matter how strong the worksite wellness program is, employees must remember that they are accountable for keeping themselves in running order just as do our cars, our pets and our kids.
During a question and answer period following a smoking prevention talk to six years olds entitled “Smoking Stinks”, a little guy who was the image of a young Harry Potter and had been listening intently to every word asked: “If smoking is so bad for you than why do people do it?”. Common sense out of the mouths of babes. If only it were that simple!
The sudden death from coronary artery disease of Tim Russert, an esteemed journalist, has given us the impetus to do a reality check of our own health. Although there are those who have incorporated healthy lifestyle behaviors into their daily routine, many still dont pay attention to the signs and signals that their bodies are sending out. Life these days has become fast paced, stressful and to some extent uncertain. The ups and downs of the economy sometimes forces businesses to make tough choices and downsize, leaving many looking for new ways to support themselves and their families. Technology has surpassed our expectations but has it really made our life easier? Why does it seem to take something drastic has to happen before we choose to take positive action? We tend to lose our health by doing the “Dont” (i.e. smoking); not doing the “Should” (i.e. eat sensibly and exercise regularly); and when we finally decide to make a change, we usually do it the “Wrong” way (i.e. cut out everything at once and exercise too hard). 
