June 2003

Welcome to the June issue of Your Healthy Life, and happy Father's Day!

As May was a great month for mothers and women in general with regard to health observances, so is June for men. This month features not only Father's Day, but Men's Health Week (June 9-15). We invite men everywhere to take this opportunity to assess their health and take advantage of a great resource—the National Men's Health Foundation—both to prevent men's health problems, and to foster wellness. For more information, call (212) 573-0250.

For men and women of all ages: how would you assess your health on a scale of 1-10?

This important question is one we should all ask ourselves periodically, especially if we have a family history of disease. In making this assessment, consider not only your physical health, but your mental and emotional health too. Does taking time to do the things you love, like reading, exercising, or simply resting fall too often by the wayside because of work or family priorities? Short changing yourself on your own needs too often may undermine your overall health in time.

We would be wise to redefine the whole idea of disease prevention, which includes making sure we achieve some measure of balance in our lives—addressing the needs of mind, body and sprit. Yes, it can be difficult, but what a wonderful goal. I know I'm working on it!

Other health observances this month include National Headache Awareness week — June 1-7.

June is also National Aphasia Awareness month and National Hernia Awareness month.

Best of health to you all this month, and a joyous toast to fathers everywhere!

I encourage your questions and comments. Letting us know that this newsletter adds value to your life supports its continued production. I look forward to hearing from you at kiki@aboutnhs.com.

Do you have ten minutes to find out?

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Here is another question for our readers. Are you offered wellness services though your employers, such as periodic health screenings, lectures, or a wellness newsletter? It's certainly in the best interest of businesses of all types to consider wellness promotion and disease prevention where their employees are concerned.

Escalating health care costs in the U.S. continue to be a concern for many employers and providers of health care services. In fact, we spend over $1 trillion dollars in this country alone on health care, far more than any other nation in the world. The interesting news is that approximately 70% of the entire burden of illness and associated costs in the United States is for preventable illnesses (Wellness Councils of America). Any action a corporation can take to promote employee wellness and reduce absenteeism should also translate into a healthier bottom line. Healthy employees are simply happier and more productive!

For more information on wellness services for businesses of all types, e-mail Kiki Powers at kiki@aboutnhs.com.

“The number of obese children has tripled in the past 30 years. In 30, 40, and 50 years from now, obese adolescents are going to be a big burden to health care. But we can turn this negative trend around by exploring various ways to bring healthful food choices to our kids.”

~ Daniel Levy, Director of the Framingham Heart Study ~

“Do what you can with what you have where you are.”

~ Theodore Roosevelt ~