Wellness in the Workplace
Wellness in the Workplace
February 2007 / Vol. 2

In this issue:

• Organic Foods: To Buy or Not To Buy?
• Something's "Fishy"
• Wellness Tip: Tomato Time
• Client Profile: Press Ganey Associates
• Connie's Corner: Life At 40
• Healthy Recipe: Turkey Chili

HEALTH IN THE NEWS

ANTI-SMOKING: AMERICA REACHES A MILESTONE
Take a deep breath. The air in St. Joseph County (IN) is cleaner thanks to the passage of last year's "no smoking" ordinance. It's part of a national effort that began 30 years ago, and today, for the first time ever, more than 1/2 of all Americans live in "no smoking communities". Read more

QUOTE OF THE MONTH

"The wellness screenings are, without a doubt, the BEST THING we have ever done for our employees."

~ Lisa Fry, B & B Molders
Mishawaka, IN

HAPPY WINTER!

Wow! 2007 sure has been cold and wintry so far! Are those of you with New Year's Resolutions still holding on to your goals through these tough wintry days? Stay with it, but be certain your goals are realistic too! For instance, if you’ve been determined to lose 50 pounds this year, don’t try to do it all in a few weeks. This would be unrealistic. In fact, instead of setting a goal to lose a specific amount of weight, try to eat more healthfully. In doing so, you will share the gift of healthy eating habits with your family and lose weight gradually at the same time.

If you made it your resolution to quit smoking, that's GREAT! I hope you told everyone you know! Include your family, doctor, friends, and co-workers in your plan. This helps to make you more accountable and to provide support when the urge to smoke comes on. Stay with it!

How about those of us who've been determined to exercise in the year 2007? Excellent choice! Yes, it takes time and energy, but remember all of the benefits - improved heart health, flexibility and mobility, breathing and lung capacity, improved sleep and digestion, plus an outlet for stress. You're also reducing your blood pressure, risk for various cancers, and your weight.

Whatever your goal for 2007, remember to be realistic, tell people about it, and have fun! You’ll be a good example to your family, so they might live healthier lives. Make this year count!

Please feel free to forward the newsletter to anyone you may think will benefit from its contents. We would like your feedback and your suggestions so that this newsletter becomes a helpful resource for you and your employees. Email me at On-Site Health Solutions.

SPECIAL FEATURE: CONNIE'S CORNER

As I reflect on my recent 40th birthday, I am reminded of how important living right really is. Click here to read about Connie's "Life At Age 40"





WE'VE MOVED!

We recently relocated our offices! Our new address is 65140 Miami Road, Bremen, IN 46506. Send us a welcoming email!

BURNING QUESTION:
HERE'S THE ANSWER!

 This section answers your often-asked, health-related questions. If you have a question that you would like us to answer, please send us an email and we will try to highlight it in our next newsletter.

Question:

Grocery stores are offering more and more organic foods, but they are expensive. Which foods should I buy organic when possible and why?

Answer:

The term “Certified Organic” simply means that the produce was grown on land free of pesticides and chemicals for at least three years. This is enforced by the U.S. Department of Agriculture.

I think it’s safe to say that we do not want to consume large amounts of pesticides and chemicals if we can help it. So, the real question is, what produce has the highest concentration of pesticides and chemicals, and which ones should we purchase as organic?


Click here to see lists of vegetables known as the "Dirty Dozen" and the "Clean Dozen"

If you can afford organic, then purchase organic (on the "Clean Dozen" list). If cost is a matter of concern for you, try to avoid purchasing non-organic produce on the “Dirty Dozen” list. As organic foods become more in demand, the price will go down. We’ve already seen this happen in the last couple of years. Pick up extra organic produce (again, on the "Clean Dozen" list) when it’s on sale, and freeze it when possible. Also try the Farmer’s Markets, where they oftentimes offer organic produce and a lower price.


READ THE "FINE" PRINT

On-Site Health Solutions is featured in this month's edition of "In Michiana" Magazine. Click here to read an excerpt.

WELLNESS TIPS

SOMETHING'S FISHY: The Center For Disease Control recommends that every American eat fish at least twice per week. Read more

TOMATO TIME: Why do tomatoes, a staple in Meditteranean cooking, reduce your risk of some cancers and heart disease? Read more

RON'S REMINDERS

FIRST AID SUPPLIES:

Are your company's first aid supplies stocked in the event of workplace emergencies? We can put kits togehter that are customized to your company's needs. Call us at 574-243-5108 or email to learn more.

CPR TRAINING:

CPR guidelines recently changed, and our nurses have just earned the updated Instructor Certification and are ready to teach your employees the new methods. Call our office or email Connie for more information.

BOOK OF THE MONTH

To help you on the road to good health, On-Site Health Solutions will recommend a new book in every newsletter. If you've read a book that you think can provide our readers with good health information, please let us know.

Slowing down the aging process can be an obsession for some people, but instead of anti-aging, how about "healthy aging"? We feel good about many books from Dr. Andrew Weil, and "Healthy Aging" is no exception. "Age brings wisdom, peace and prosperity of a different kind," says the doctor.

For an enlightening perspective on aging, read:

Healthy Aging by Dr. Andrew Weil.

CLIENT PROFILE

PRESS GANEY ASSOCIATES

Are your attempts to help employees better manage their health met with skepticism? South Bend-based Press Ganey Associates found a third-party service provider was the answer.

Learn how On-Site Health Solutions helped them create a "win-win" workforce wellness campaign.

Read more


HEALTHY RECIPE:

TURKEY CHILI

Need a delicious and HEALTHY alternative to your traditional meal routine? In every newsletter, we'll feature a good dish for you to try.

In this issue, Connie's Turkey Chili can warm the next cold winter day.


Get the recipe

HEALTH IN OUR COMMUNITY

Here is a list of some upcoming healthy community events in which to support or participate (some links will prompt you to email for info):

• Berrien Co. Skiing 2/15-3/1
• Child Abuse: Auction 3/10
• Cancer Benefit 3/11

Copyright 2007 © On-Site Health Solutions LLC
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