Healthy Workplace, healthy workers

More and more we are hearing how stress can impact the health of individuals. Some of that stress may be generated at work, but in tough economic times financial concerns can also generate a lot of stress. This stress carries into the workplace.

A few of the symptoms of stress are:

• Irritability
• Lack of appetite or Overeating
• Lack of energy
• Lack of interest  in people and events
• Physical illness, stomach upset, headaches, muscle aches and pains
• and the list goes on. 

Business owners can offer some help and support to employees through an employment assistance program that offers counseling of various kinds. This may be provided through a group insurance benefit package.

January and February are often difficult months because of the reduced hours of daylight and the let down after the holiday season. New years resolutions are often forgotten by the third or fourth week of the new year and this can lead to despondency. 

Simple things in the workplace can encourage workers to improve their health. For example a walking program can be organized where all workers are encouraged to track how many steps they take each day. Or a weight loss group can be organized during a lunch hour or before work. The employer can provide the scales and ask three or four interested workers to help with the organizational tasks.  For example TOPS has a great workplace program that anyone can join for $ 30.00 a year membership. Details can be found at
http://www.tops.org/default.aspx

Employers have a responsibility to encourage their employees to be healthy...healthy workers help build a healthy workplace with fewer accidents, fewer sick days, and better morale. 

Doing the Same Thing Doesn't Work

I have been a faithful member of TOPS for four years.  In that time I have managed to lose a few pounds but I have also gotten caught up in the trappings of the organization.  By that I mean I volunteered to be an area captain, for several reasons, and while I did enjoy most of the experience I have resigned from that volunteer position.  The expectations were high, my own and the organization's. I have always felt that if I am to commit to something I must meet all the requirements and I came to the realization that I would never be able to meet all the expectations that were part of that position. Not that the TOPS organization was complaining, they weren't. But I didn't feel I could accomplish what the position needed.


There is also the expectations of the weekly meetings.  It isn't a matter of going and getting weighed, having a discussion about how to improve the next week.  Our chapter spends a lot of time as a group.  There is the annual 10 Km walk, which because of severe arthritis I haven't been able to participate in. There are the cute phrases, I've been a bad girl this week.  For pete's sake we are all seniors so what is it with the bad girl phrase.  Just because someone ate a piece of pie that doesn't make them a bad anything. Christmas parties are centred around food...a meal at a restaurant and a pot luck.

The conclusion that I have finally reached is that doing the same thing and expecting different results is a sign of insanity. I know that isn't original but it does apply to me and my weight loss/weight control efforts to date. Maybe giving myself time to feel good about who I am and what I am will go a long way to helping me control my weight.  Gee you think?

2011 will be an exciting year. I am ready for new ideas, and new experiences.  New books, new hobbies and new friends.Of course, there are many friends that I want to keep and that I hold very dear, they are important to me.  It will be interesting to see how this new year unfolds.

Another week, another visit

I got to visit another TOPS chapter this week. What a great group. They are looking forward to getting back into a healthier life style...the summer and vacation times have been tough. Aren't we all looking forward to routines and schedules. Summer is great but unplanned and irregular.

I have been working extra hours at the day job...special events and things that demand my attention. And of course that puts added pressures on an already tight schedule. Too many things, not enough time.

I am looking forward to more fun things this weekend. A TOPS meeting on Saturday and maybe another car show on Sunday.

And The Winner Is ...

Me! I think I have sorted out my new computer. It now is acting like a productivity tool not an opinionated hunk of technology, meaning I am finally getting to understand and learn what does what. Not an easy task for someone who hasn't bought a new computer in the last decade.

I went to my TOPS meeting this morning and stayed the same which is sometimes a good thing although I do need to start losing the weight. Summers are tough for me but now that cooler weather is here I have no excuse except lack of motivation and I think I am motivated...at least I will work on that.

I had the opportunity to visit another of the TOPS chapters that I work with on Monday night. What a great bunch of people. They were so friendly and welcoming. I really love having the chance to get to chapter meetings and to meet all the terrific members of TOPS. I am now working with 20 chapters from New Ross/Gold River chapters to Baccaro in Shelburne County. Wide area geographically but all great groups. I am working on getting visits scheduled to the chapters that I haven't visited yet. In September or October.