I have some bad news about our health, and you might want to stand up for it.
You’ve no doubt heard the line: “sitting is the new smoking.” So while you’re standing, I’ll start with some good news: We continue to be the most active, fittest and trimmest state in the nation. The bad news: over 56 percent of Colorado adults and 23 percent of our children are overweight or obese. And that weight affects everything from absenteeism to generally feeling good to increasing a person’s risk of cancer by one and a half times. We’re not telling you all of this to scare you, but because you should know and there are strategies we can support as employers, team members and community leaders to help each other stay healthy. It’s why the Chamber has gotten involved with organizations focused on health like CEOs Against Cancer.
Here are a few ways you can take action:
Make health part of your culture. Whether that means having fresh fruit around to snack on, using standing desks and having walking meetings or creating a wellness program for your staff, there are simple ways to involve your team in their health. Those are all things we do here at the Chamber, but you’ve also got to make sure people are taking advantage of them. In fact, the American Cancer Society will assess your workplace wellness program and help you find ways to improve your company’s health.
Have a healthy lunch. Whether it’s at our kids’ schools or when we’re at the office, a healthy lunch helps us all focus, be more engaged and even more creative. And if you’re looking for a lunch that will make you feel good and bring healthy options and more physical activities to schools, join me at the LiveWell Colorado Luncheon on Dec. 1. There we’ll recognize the Chamber’s former board chair and Kaiser Permanente President Donna Lynne as LiveWell’s 2015 Wellness Champion and hear from former Bronco Shannon Sharpe. Sounds good to me—I’ll have the salad.
Get moving. Whether it’s taking a short stretch break, walking over your lunch hour or—my personal favorite—biking to work, there are ways to bring activity into your day that don’t take much time but will make you healthier and more present at work in the long-run. All of these activities will not only improve your health, but your attitude as well. (Your co-workers can thank me later.)
Make sure you’re covered. In or outside the office, having the tools to take charge of your health is important. We know that one of the greatest costs to employers is providing health benefits, and we’re glad to see that nine in 10 small employers in Colorado remain committed to keeping coverage for employees, according to Delta Dental’s just released Colorado Small Business Survey.
I tell people we have the smartest and healthiest workforce in the country. This is a powerful competitive advantage. With your help, we’ll make it true for years to come.
Kelly Brough is president and CEO of the Denver Metro Chamber of Commerce.