Fittest Workplace On Earth!

Jacquelyn Johnston, M.Ed. Diabesity Coach

More news from Obama’s plan to create a health care system that’s based on prevention rather than reaction. A couple of days ago I wrote about how the President’s speech had underlined the need for preventive health care.

Well, lo and behold, there is a place that is already doing it—the Cleveland Clinic, and MSNBC tells us they are cutting health care costs by tens of percentage points. Not only that, the clinic’s workforce is among the healthiest in the world.

Naturally, I was curious who was running the program, and surprise surprise, It’s none other than the great Michael Roizen, M.D., the Real Age doctor. Dr. Roizen tells us we can actually reduce our real age by 4 years by listening to fine music, amond other things. Some of you may remember Dr. Roizen as the co-author with Dr. Oz of the inimitable “You” series of books (For titles visit my website under “resources”).

So this isn’t a concept Obama thought up at 3 a.m. one morning. It’s tried and true, it’s already happening, and it’s working. Economically, personally and community-wise. The President’s saying: here you go, folks, it’s being done, it’s working, it’s cutting costs, go for it!

The whole idea is to keep people from getting sick in the first place. Type in Cleveland Clinic and read it all up for yourself. Watch the videos and click on all the links that take you to Time magazine articles or New York Times features.

There are weight loss programs, smoke cessation programs, diabetes prevention programs, yoga sessions, buddy programs, you name it. There’s resistance training, fitness training—try thinking of something they haven’t thought of! No wonder their employees are so healthy!

If you notice, all the activities are just that—active things. They address the fact that we were made to move, get flexible and make a habit of it. Don’t you wish that were your workplace? Each exercise is a deposit in the fitness bank, providing yet one more insurance premium against diabesity, arthritis, heart and stroke, liver disease, cancer and lung disease. Each exercise contributes to better, restorative sleep.

So start a movement—if your workplace doesn’t provide these services , get some going! Go for a walk at lunch time and take a buddy with you. Need more ideas? Give me a call.

Meanwhile, move that brain!
Cheers for now,

Jacquelyn

Jacquelyn Johnston M.Ed.
Professional Health Coach and Educator,
Solutions and Support for Optimal Health
Richmond, B.C. Canada