| |
| |
| |
| Posted on: Thursday, April 28, 2005 |
| |
The USDA’s launch of a new food pyramid has received much press in the past weeks, focusing on the need to stem the tide of American obesity. Along with a reorganization of the nutritional hierarchy of the food pyramid, the consumer directed website mypyramid.org is a major focus of the campaign. The website, which allows customization of the food pyramid depending upon lifestyle, will clearly be a useful tool for those who are already engaged in managing their physical well-being.
However, the true value in this campaign, to both benefit plans and the general population, lies in its ability to change health habits for the long run. Long-term public/private campaigns have proven effective in changing public opinions and habits. A solid example is the anti-smoking campaign that began over a century ago. In 1949, 45% of all adult Americans smoked. Today Smoke Free Legislation, banning smoking in public, is in place from New York City to South Dakota and even Cuba (yes, cigars included).
Most employers support the long term goal of smoking cessation through their health plans even though they will see modest short-term financial savings. By this same logic, an employer should support efforts to improve other health habits. It is a sound long term risk management strategy and improving quality of life feels like the “right thing to do.”
For employers just beginning to consider a formal business strategy on promoting healthy habits, here are some ideas you might start with:
1. Pick a well-respected, enthusiastic, practicing “health advocate” from your team to be the coordinator of your organization’s healthy lifestyle effort. High energy counts in a coach!
2. Promote the USDA mypyramid.org website and similar public resources via your company newsletter, bulletin boards, posters, etc.
3. Consider creating/promoting limited medical plan coverage of nutritionists” services.
4. Sponsor “brown bag” lunch presentations by nutritionists and other healthy lifestyle advocates.
5. Add health-conscious options to menus for staff meetings. Lose the donuts!
6. Sponsor and encourage participation in healthy activities in your community such as 5K runs, bike races, amateur sports teams, disease fund raising walk/run events, etc.
The Payoff?
While it remains to be seen what impact the USDA’s new food pyramid and the ensuing promotional campaign will have on the health habits of Americans, the impact of promoting a healthy lifestyle within your own organization may be more easily seen. Have high expectations for your healthy habits program, be enthusiastic, and remember that although there may be little measurable financial return for the program, it may just improve the health, productivity, and attitudes of many employees, and that is reward enough.
Should you have any additional employee benefit questions or would like to discuss this material in detail, please don’t hesitate to call the Denman Team.
|
| |
 |
| |
| Information
on this site is for general information only. It does not constitute
nor should it be construed as legal, financial, health or any
other kind of professional advice. This site makes no claims,
promises or guarantees about the accuracy, completeness, or
adequacy of the information contained in or linked to this website. |
| |
| |
|
| |
| |
|
