I applaud the efforts of the people at Health Promotion Advocates to help create a more sustainable and healthy workplace.

However, according to a fact sheet on the new Health Workforce Act (S.XXX;H.R.1897),” many employers spend more on medical care than they earn in profits.”  This makes no sense.  It doesn’t just make it  ‘difficult’ to compete, as they say, it makes it impossible to be in business.

I would like to see employers relinquish any responsibility to provide healthcare for employees. However, it’s in their self-interest to create a culture of wellness. Well-rested and fit employees make for sustainable productivity. I believe the effort should be on healthy workplace design. Gym memberships may have their place, but what can be done about the expectations of employees while they are at work? In China there are organized exercise breaks. Exercise shouldn’t be divorced from the normal workday. We certainly need more body awareness so we nip potential problems in the bud.

Humans have not evolved to sit at a computer or in a car all day.

Sadly, we Americans aren’t the most healthy folks on the planet.  Yet, today, National Public Health Week (NPHW) is focusing on supporting healthy employees and healthy businesses.  The idea is to give employees a better way of how to keep themselves safe and well at work.

Registered dietitians are out and about telling us what we should, and shouldn’t, be eating. The food service industry is getting updated on food code training.  So let’s pay attention to what we are putting in our mouths today.

The American Heart Association is promoting National Start! Walking Day.  The problem  for most people is it’s hard to walk and work at the same time. Or is it? We see exercise as something outside of work. Our bodies weren’t designed to sit in a cubicle all day.

The Start! initiative works with employers and the 135 million Americans in the workplace to create a culture of walking before, during or after work. It offers resources for employers to implement a walking program in the workplace and track employees’ progress in the program. Start!’s Fit-Friendly Companies program recognizes companies for meeting criteria for employee fitness. More than 1,000 US companies have been recognized for demonstrating their commitment to promoting exercise and good nutrition in the workplace.

The AHA’s heart is in the right place.   It’s a start.