Local workplaces tackle health, wellness

By Dr. Margaret Gaglione, Inside Business - Hampton Roads

November 24, 2008

Local business owners are at the center of some terrific, life-altering stories and reaping the benefits.

At one local realty company, leaders have supported eight employees who have collectively lost 230 pounds – perhaps there will be more individuals playing volleyball at this year’s summer office party. This office group has been Tidewater Bariatrics’ shining star, and has proven that getting help and support from work as well as home plays an important part in becoming fit and healthier.

Another impressive boss with significant vision is Jean Loxley-Barnard, CEO and publisher of The Shopper. When the health of one of her long-term employees began to deteriorate because of her extra weight, Barnard paid for the initial 13-week portion of the employee’s weight-loss program.

During this time, the individual lost more than 50 pounds. She then chose to continue with the program and has lost an additional 40 pounds, for a current total of 92 pounds. This individual never exercised prior to starting our program and now walks daily, far outpacing others she walks with. She is sleeping better, has more energy, and feels better about herself and situation. She should be proud of her accomplishments – we are.

From a medical standpoint, this individual has considerably decreased her risks of developing diabetes or having a heart attack. Her confidence in her ability to conquer an addiction has led her to realize that she is not powerless against a second addiction, tobacco.

I have no doubt that Barnard’s investment in her employee was beneficial for the individual and the entire company. Because of the individual’s increase in confidence, dedication and spunk, it is clear the boss made a great employee even better. Teach someone how to improve their life and you’ve given them a life skill that will help in everything they do.

During the last 15 months, the individuals I’ve mentioned have been part of the 200 patients at Tidewater Bariatrics who’ve lost 2.5 tons of weight. Yes, collectively these individuals have lost 5,400 pounds of fat; that equates to a loss of 18.9 million calories. Not surprisingly, the most engaged and compliant individuals have lost the most; 30 individuals have lost more than 50 pounds, eight have lost more than 75 pounds, and one has lost more than 125 pounds.

Every business owner I know agrees that a happier, healthier employee performs better and has a more positive impact on the company’s bottom line.

But it takes action. These 200 individuals have become good students of healthy habits at work and at home, and have learned the discipline and skills required in a supportive and highly structured weight-loss program. Each of these individuals has taken on the challenge of being accountable for their food consumption and exercise output, and they have proven that counting calories does matter.

Employers helping their workforces get healthier is not a fad. Health and wellness will eventually become a core issue for most businesses, and those leaders who embrace it early on will reap more effective and loyal employees, better recruiting and stronger bottom lines.

I encourage other employers to expand their vision to include meaningful employee health programs. To make it easier for you to promote wellness in your workspaces, my medical clinic would like to start a pilot program where our staff comes to your business to teach our program to your employees.

Dr. Margaret Gaglione is the medical director of Tidewater Bariatrics in Chesapeake. She is a board certified internal medicine physician and bariatric specialist. She can be reached at 644-6819 or www.tidewaterbariatrics.com.