Bottom-Line Benefit Companies proactive in trying to assure healthier employees. Lisa Svidler works out at Franklin Athletic Club with guidance from Itzi Saar, fit- ness director. Ruthan Brodsky Special to the Jewish News T he notion of preventive health care has been espoused by health food gourmands, vitamin aficionados and fit- ness gurus for years. But it's good business ingenuity that's taking health and wellness to a new level. Does it really matter if it's the bottom line that inspires business to initiate wellness programs as long as the end result is a win-win for companies and their employees? Oakland County- based Hiller's Markets, for example, encourages its employees to engage in an exercise program on a regular basis, even if it requires taking time off from work. The com- pany also maintains a corporate membership at Franklin Athletic Club in Southfield so that Hiller's employees can join at a reduced rate. lik "Our employees are Andy Gutman happier when they take care of themselves:' says Jim Hiller, president, who works out on a regular basis and plays tennis at Franklin. "Our business is volatile and employees deal with intense stress. A physical activ- ity like pilates or yoga or working with a personal trainer helps reduce that stress, which results in more productive employ- ees." It's a voluntary wellness program and not everyone at Hiller's participates, but there are a number of regulars who spend time keeping in shape at Franklin. Lisa Svidler, corporate business man- ager, is a new Hiller employee, but already enjoys a family membership at Franklin Athletic Club. "I work out when my 11-year old son, Ittai, takes tennis lessons twice a week after school: she said. Lisa is also a big tennis fan and shares a private tennis les- son with her son. "Jim and the company are very sup- portive, encouraging employees to live a healthier lifestyle with exercise and good eating habits:' says Ava Shapiro, CFO of Hiller's Markets. "The company has been very flexible to accommodate everyone's schedule:' One of the perks working at Franklin Athletic Club is the company's own vol- untary wellness program: Employees may use all facilities. "There are no restrictions for employ- ees," explains Itzi Saar, Franklin's fitness director and operational manager. "They can work out at any time and participate in classes at a reduced rate. We've found that employees who participate in the pro- grams maintain a higher morale and are more loyal." Fit At Farbman A structured company wellness program was initiated last year at NAI Farbman in Southfield. The commercial real estate firm distributes weekly employee news- letters focusing on health issues, such as stress, nutrition and sleep. The Farbman Fit Club was created in May for staff inter- ested in participating in more physical activity. Lunch-hour walks were sched- uled, "Take the Stairs"' was promoted, and aerobic, dance and yoga classes took place after hours. "We are very fortunate at Farbman to have owners who not only care enough to allow us to implement our health and wellness programs, but also clearly under- stand the bottom line benefit to proactive- ly investing in the health and well being of our employees:' says Andy Gutman of Novi, CFO Farbman Group. This year, Farbman's wellness program has expanded. Arrangements are being made with Weight Watchers for employees interested in weight loss. Experts are invit- ed to give monthly seminars on health issues, such as cholesterol, heart health and diabetes. The well- ness newsletters are distributed twice a week and an aerobic/ dance instructor is scheduled for classes after hours. "While I have always found ways to integrate exercise into my daily routines, something that is often overlooked is the importance of eating healthy:' says Ron Goldstone, senior vice president at NAI Farbman. "I personally find eating healthy to be a greater challenge than exercising. However, I have managed to incorporate salads and other high-protein, low-fat foods into my work weeks. In general, I found it's easier to eat healthy during the work week then on the weekends." Health At Honigman The Detroit-based law firm Honigman Miller Schwartz and Cohn has provided an employee wellness program for several Benefit on page A30 JCC Provides Corporate Memberships The Jewish Community Center of Metropolitan Detroit offers reduced corporate memberships at both the Oak Park and West Bloomfield facilities to companies who offer their employees a wellness program. "As part of our effort to become an integral part of the community, we also offer a similar membership to groups and educational institutions," explains Annette Whiting, The JCC's sports and fitness division director. Annette Whiting "The JCC Fit Train program is often the primary inter- est for employers. Employees that use our facility are from Beaumont, Ford and Providence hospitals as well as teach- ers in Berkley, Oak Park and West Bloomfield school districts and the private Hebrew schools. We also offer our facilities to Hadassah members and the Oak Park Public Safety Department." For information, call Annette Whiting, (248) 432-5483. February 28 • 2008 AVAWAVA4 W,MAW A29 itimetwriretvetoictvt.