HEALTH gisit'ITNESS

Benefit from page A29

years. According to Kim Thomas, benefits
manager, employees receive a reimburse-
ment for fitness classes and gym member-
ship or for purchasing equipment for their
home gym.
Periodically, speakers are invited to
the office to give information seminars
on health issues, such as heart disease,
breast cancer and weight loss. A popular
seminar last year was a healthy cooking
demonstration with a chef from Detroit-
based Health Alliance Plan. Even more
popular today is a 15 minute on-site
massage for $15, which is reimbursable
under Honigman's fitness reimbursement
program.
Taking advantage of some of the com-
pany benefit programs, Chuck Altman,
Honigman training manager, joined the
LifeTime Fitness gym close to his home in
Royal Oak.
"I exercise there at least twice a week
and take advantage of other benefits
such as getting flu shots at the office and
reading the newsletters which keep me

updated on the latest trends in health:' he
said. "The company also recently initiated
a 24-7 confidential nurse-care line which
employees can call with questions or get
advice on what to do when someone in the
family is ill."
Health risk appraisals are available
every six months at Honigman. Employees
can track their health goal progress at
an interactive Web site or they can use a
workbook and track their goals on paper.

Stress Reduction
The Detroit Jewish News, as part of
Southfield-based Jewish Renaissance
Media, also has a wellness program for
employees.
"Always being on deadline for one of
our online products or for the paper is a
very stressful," explains Kelli Baird, mar-
keting and circulation director. "Working
out and participating in a physical
activity tends to lower those elevated
stress levels and helps perk up company
morale."
The Jewish News has partnered with the
nearby Franklin Athletic Club for staff and

their family, offering a
reduced membership
fee, which includes
total access to club
activities.
"We limit the num-
ber of memberships,
which means there
are always employees
on the waiting list:'
continues Baird. "Last
year, 45 percent of
our employees were
enrolled in our well-
ness program; and
when someone drops
out, there's another
Farbman's Ron Goldstone enjoys a salad at his desk.
employee waiting to
take his or her place
many have already arrived at company
— creating an appreciation for this pro-
wellness programs as part of their solu-
gram."
tion.
Health care has been a political football
The programs vary significantly, other
for the past 10 years and this presiden-
than enrollment being voluntary. However,
tial election campaign is no different.
the goals for companies are similar:
Companies are concerned about how
healthier, happier and more productive
they're going to be affected by whatever
employees as well as possibly lower costs
national healthcare plan is implemented;
for health benefits.

Edward, Lichten, M.D. Clinician, Researcher and Author

248-593-9999

Second Opinion Program

189 Townsend Street-Second Floor • Birmingham, Ml 48009

TEXTBOOK
of
MO-IDENTICAL
HORMONES

EDWARD NI, LICHTEN,

Women can reduce their dependency on

sleep medication, cholesterol drugs,
antidepressant, headache and now lose weight.
Dr. Lichten will balance your bio-identical
hormones with prescriptions available at
the local pharmacy.

Men can eliminate Viagra , diabetic,

heart, anti-depressant and weight loss
medications using their own 'Fountain of
Youth' bio-identical hormones.

Why trust your health to anyone else?

13E4960

A30

February 28 0 2008