You’re the Wellness Leader; Act Like It

by Dean Witherspoon   Contact Dean

I’ve been railing against the best practice notion for the last year (read Avoiding the Comparison Trap of “Best Practice” and 3 Meaningless Health Management Phrases). In part it’s because results achieved with what passes for best in wellness — from needs assessments to environmental audits to structure to incentives — have been only marginally better than those from programming that makes no attempt to reach these bars.

We see wellness service buyers and vendors get so locked into the “right” way to implement a program that they fail to do what’s smart and staring them in the face. A case in point is the oft-cited “Make nutritious food available in vending machines” when there’s really no sensible reason for most workplaces to even have vending machines. Simply removing them automatically improves workplace eating habits because people bring healthier food from home. Try it; it works.

Being Nice Is Healthy

by Dean Witherspoon   Contact Dean

The Republican primaries are underway. As the field of candidates narrows, you’ll see the gloves come off, with candidates taking more and more cheap shots at each other and the Obama administration in public appearances, debates, and especially ads.

But incivility isn’t limited to politicians. Athletes, entertainers, talk show hosts, motorists, and even grade school children exhibit an in-your-face attitude that says “I can treat you however I choose… just try to stop me.” The popularity of Two and a Half Men (the Charlie Sheen era), Jersey Shore, and Family Guy reflects a culture that accepts, even admires, rude behavior.

... Read More