National Work and Family Month

As sponsored by Senator Orrin Hatch and 12 cosponsors, US Senate Resolution 210 designated October as National Work and Family Month in 2003. Imperative to business success, engaging in work-life initiatives, programs and activities throughout the year affords employers an opportunity to strengthen employee attraction, engagement, motivation and retention efforts. Shining a spotlight on related issues during the month of October engages the resolution's assertion that, "Reducing the conflict between work and family life should be a national priority."

Wall Street Journal Health Blog

The Wall Street Journal has introduced a blog on health and the business of health. Rich in news and dialogue on emerging issues of specific relevance to those within the health care industry, the blog affords an elevated level of consumer education.

To explore this resource and its' fit for you, visit http://blogs.wsj.com/health/ .

Relax, Renew and Rejuvenate Close to Home

Whether inspired by economic pressures from higher gas prices, downturns in the stock market, increases in food costs and/or other financial demands ... the importance of self care remains vital. Along with the staycation which these conditions gave birth to, the spacation affords the opportunity for relaxation, renewal and rejuvenation close to home.

Choose from a single service or a full package at a spa near you. Go alone, with a friend, family member or special loved one. Treatment options generally include massages, facials, body treatments, water treatments and energy work (such as reiki discussed in a previous blog post) with some offering salon services such as hair and nail care.

Above and beyond the spacation, incorporating spa services into your lifestyle is a "high return" way to honor and care for yourself. One approach that I have adopted is to plan for a massage a quarter, a facial a quarter and another service of choice a quarter. This ensures a spa visit each month and a wonderful treat to look forward to.

Healthy Workforce Act

Senators Tom Harkin and Gordon H. Smith cosponsored the Healthy Workforce Act of 2007, S.1753, a bill affording employers a tax credit to cover costs associated with employee wellness program implementation. On July 9th, 2007 when the bill was introduced by Senator Harkin, it was referred to the Senate Committee on Finance where it remains. That referral represents the most recent major action taken.

Despite this "holding pattern", WPC regards both the introduction and consideration of this bill to be a noteworthy federal acknowledgement of the linkage between employment and health. This wellness program tax credit was in part inspired by the following congressional findings as cited in the Act.

• The United States has more than 12 million employers and approximately 135 million working adults.
• The use of effective worksite policies and programs can reduce health risks and improve the quality of life for the 135 million full-time and part-time workers in the United States.
• Workers spend more than one-third of their day on the job and, as a result, employers are in a unique position to promote the health and safety of their employees.
• Chronic diseases such as heart disease, stroke, cancer, obesity, and diabetes are among the most prevalent and costly worker health problems for most employers.
• The use by employers of effective worksite policies and programs can reduce health risks and improve the quality of life for their employees.
• The good health of workers is good for business because healthier workers miss less work, are more productive, and have lower health care costs.

While a myriad of wellness program criteria is identified in the Healthy Workforce Act of 2007, required components include health awareness, employee engagement, behavioral change and a supportive environment.

Note: Together with seven(7) cosponsors Representative Tom Udall introduced related bill H.R. 3717 to the House of Representatives on October 2, 2007. On that day it was referred to the House Committee on Ways and Means.

Reiki: An Introduction

As a component of Mind, Body and Spirit wellness, WPC embraces holistic health care. The National Center for Complementary and Alternative Medicine (NCCAM), part of the National Institutes of Health, has released a fact sheet entitled Reiki: An Introduction. As defined therein, Reiki is a healing practice that originated in Japan. Reiki practitioners place their hands lightly on or just above the person receiving treatment, with the goal of facilitating the person's own healing response. In the United States, Reiki is part of complementary and alternative medicine (CAM).

Following are the Reiki Key Points as stated in the "public domain" document.

• People use Reiki to promote overall health and well-being. Reiki is also used by people who are seeking relief from disease-related symptoms and the side effects of conventional medical treatments.
• Reiki has historically been practiced as a form of self-care. Increasingly, it is also provided by health care professionals in a variety of clinical settings.
• People do not need a special background to learn how to perform Reiki. Currently, training and certification for Reiki practitioners are not formally regulated.
• Scientific research is under way to learn more about how Reiki may work, its possible effects on health, and diseases and conditions for which it may be helpful.
• Tell your health care providers about any complementary and alternative practices you use. Give them a full picture of what you do to manage your health. This will help ensure coordinated and safe care.

The complete fact sheet can be accessed and downloaded in PDF at http://nccam.nih.gov/health/reiki/ .

Components of Healthy Business Cultures

In order to give our best, each one of us will need to be at out best. This includes your personnel, the "life's blood" of your organization. Ever present is the quest to achieve the goals of another year and the responsibility to serve the clientele for which your mission was created. The effective achievement of both will require the consistent effort of your staff. The better the job they do at taking care of themselves, the better the job they will do at taking care of "business" in your organization. Doesn't it make sense to help them?

"Increasingly, the fact that healthy people equal a healthy business is being recognized as a fundamental underpinning for the successful company of the 21st century". Journal of Health Promotion, 9/10/03, Vol. 8

Components of Healthy Business Cultures:

Organizational Enhancement

• Invest in the Well-Being of Your Business and Your Staff


• Embrace a Culture of Wellness

Leadership Support

• Give Creedence to the Message


• Concentrate on Senior Level Buy-In

Professional Appreciation

• Invest in "Gifts of Wellness"


• Provide Opportunities to Create, Restore and Sustain Wellness

Personal Well-Being

• Give Your Staff a "Nudge"


• Communicate the Importance of Personal Responsibility