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by Donald B. Ardell, Ph. D.
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Wellness in the Headlines
(Don's Report to the World)

REAL WELLNESS: MY FAVORITE RESPONSE TO THE PREVIOUS ESSAY "ONE INITIATIVE AT A TIME"

Friday May 24, 2013

Introduction: Summary

Vegan DishI described a new approach in my campaign for REAL worksite wellness last time. Instead of comprehensive reform all at once and nothing first, I mused that incremental steps would probably fare better. So rather than urge multiple programming to advance quality of life in the four dimensions of reason, exuberance, athleticism and/or liberty, a one step at a time effort was put forward. This, of course, invited an example. Fortunately, one was conveniently available, named the worksite initiative of the organization known as The Physicians Committee for Responsible Medicine (PCRM). This group, an advocate firm for healthy eating, prevention, ethical clinical research and other positive advances, has a policy that only vegan food may be eaten at work.

This essay generated a lot of comments. I thought you might enjoy my favorite, from Glenn Cardwell, one of Australia’s leading advocate for sound nutrition.

Feedback  

I guess you would expect a pro-vegan group like PCRM to permit only vegan meals in their workplace. I hope their Power Plate includes nuts and mushrooms. However, the intent of your article, I think, is to consider what might happen if every workplace had a health and/or wellness policy to be agreed upon prior to employment.

I agree with your examples of companies sponsoring wellness to have programs on critical thinking, happiness and nutrition. Wouldn't it be wonderful if the bigger companies also offered half-day seminars on relationships, financial wisdom and reducing energy cost of homes, on cycling or walking to work? Also, how about encouraging or even expecting employees to take an hour off during the day to relax/read a book/stroll in the park/head to the gym? Surely the positive effects of such experiences would filter through to family and friends. And hopefully, other workplaces.

Some of it might be incentive-based. Imagine a policy like this:

 Our company sponsors a soup kitchen for the homeless. We ask that you help for three nights during the year. In exchange we will provide premium seating at your favorite show. Our company will match dollar-for-dollar your donations to charity up to $3000/yr. The company donations will be in your name as a tax deduction. (Check with the IRS or a trusted tax adviser before claiming this deduction!)

If we can install gratitude and appreciation through all life experiences, then we are likely to venture into the land of REAL wellness.

However, I would never agree to work in a cheese-free environment. Vive la camembert. Onya Don. 

Feedback Welcomed

Comments on essays at Seekwellness are always welcomed and appreciated. On occasions, they are  shared with the whole wide world.

All good wishes. Stay well.

(Ed. Note: Views expressed in this and other columns are those of the author and not necessarily those of the SeekWellness Editorial Board.)

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