Earlier this year we decided that we didn’t want to die so we began taking our health more seriously. Besides our own health we began thinking of the health of our employees and how we might be able to make a difference in their lives. After talking to our team we learned some disturbing facts:

• More than half of the team is overweight (sitting at a computer all day isn’t very aerobic)
• More than half have not visited the doctor for a physical in more than five years
• More than half haven’t been to the dentist in more than a year.
• More than half don’t get any exercise
• More than half drink more than 5 sodas each day

We decided we would focus on our own behavior first. We began by hiring a trainer to help us work out three days a week. When we moved to our new office we built a gym and a shower so that we could work out everyday without leaving the office. We then began training daily and offered to let the employees join us. Next we hired a nutritionist to help design our diets. Then we asked to nutritionist to serve healthy meals to our staff each Friday. Then we decided that within one year our entire team would be tobacco free (we’ll keep you posted). Finally, we are experimenting with concierge medical services – bringing the doctor to our team on a regular and as-needed basis.

Our program is still in its infancy, but we are seeing some positive changes. One of our employees who has taken part in our exercise program has lost more than 30 pounds. Another has lowered his blood pressure from 161 over 98 to 118 over 70. I even stopped drinking Diet Coke (I was drinking 5-10 a day). The healthcare system in the United States is broken because we focus too much of our attention on the sick. If we spent more time and money on the supposedly ‘healthy’ we might live longer and healthier lives – it is an experiment. If you are interested in joining us stop by any Friday for lunch and we will show you around.