|
|
 Can sugar really be toxic? Sadly, yes
Eating excessive amounts of processed sugar is leading to an epidemic in type 2 diabetes.
By Max Pemberton
By the time you have finished reading this sentence, one person in the world will have died from type 2 diabetes. Two more will have been newly diagnosed with it. Yet it is a condition that rarely excites or interests the public. It has a slow, insidious progression that is interlinked with obesity, and as a result this disease is considered an abstract, boring and largely self-inflicted condition. While it’s a killer, it’s not a killer in the dramatic and attention-grabbing way that other conditions such as cancer and infectious diseases can be. But given the huge personal and economic impact it has, we should be taking type 2 diabetes much more seriously.
According to a startling commentary in the journal Nature, by researchers at the University of California, San Francisco, sugar poses such a health risk – contributing to around 35 million deaths globally each year – that it should now be considered a potentially toxic substance like alcohol and tobacco. Its link with the onset of diabetes is such that punitive regulations, such as a tax on all foods and drinks that contain ”added’’ sugar, are now warranted, the researchers say. They also recommend banning sales in or near schools, as well as placing age limits on the sale of such products.
I have to admit my first response on reading the headlines generated by this article was to roll my eyes as I tucked into a king-size Twix, and denounce the suggestion as yet another example of health fascism. Sugar? Toxic? Oh, please, give me a break (or preferably a KitKat). But the truth is that there is compelling evidence that sugar is hugely dangerous, because it is a contributing factor in the twin epidemics of obesity and diabetes faced by developed countries.
→ Continue reading Valentine’s Day Sugar Massacre?
 Or can we all just get along? The methyl iodide issue takes center stage in California again as the countdown to the 2015 ban on methyl bromide looms.
Court could block use of methyl iodide
By Robin Urevich, California Health Report
A ruling is expected in the coming weeks in a first-of-its kind-legal battle over methyl iodide, one of the most controversial pesticides in use in California.
Attorneys for Earthjustice, an environmental law firm, filed court papers describing the state Department of Pesticide Regulation’s approval of methyl iodide in December 2010 as “irresponsible and illegal”.
“Breathing even small amounts causes slurred speech, vomiting, fetal miscarriage, and permanent damage to the lungs, liver, kidneys, and central nervous system. Direct skin exposure causes burns. And methyl iodide causes cancer…” they wrote.
The attorneys representing Pesticide Action Network North America, the United Farm Workers union, and similar groups are asking Alameda County Superior Court Judge Frank Roesch to roll back the state’s decision and make methyl iodide illegal in California.
They say the state violated key environmental laws in approving the chemical.
If the courts agree, pesticide regulation in the state could become tougher and more transparent.
“Legal challenges like this are extremely rare,” said Californians for Pesticide Reform Co-Director Tracey Brieger, adding that with more than 1,000 pesticides in use in the state, it’s difficult to target them individually.
“Methyl iodide is an exception because it’s so dangerous and the science is so strong that it was very important to us to have it never be registered,” Brieger said.
But some California growers feel equally strongly that they need methyl iodide to replace methyl bromide, a soil fumigant that will be banned under international treaty by 2015, because it depletes the earth’s ozone layer. → Continue reading Is it Growers vs. the Environmentalist?
By Cindy Baker | 01/12/12 12:00 AM PST
 California’s doctors are pushing the new year forward with some freshly developed workplace nutrition standards that could potentially change the way state workers and their families “treat” themselves throughout 2012 and beyond.
The 35,000-member California Medical Association, the doctors’ statewide lobbying and communications arm, has long sought better eating habits in California schools, offices and work spaces. Now, CMA’s Sacramento-based headquarters has decided to tackle the state’s nutrition issues at its own front door.
Rather than stocking ubiquitous vending machines with the familiar candy bars, cookies, chips and other heart-stopping treats, the CMA will provide its own employees with fresh, health-conscious fruit and vegetable-based snacks. In fact, the vending machine is being tossed out entirely. The association hopes the change catches on statewide.
“We’re always advocating for public health,” says CMA spokeswoman Molly Weedn. “This is a new year and with the introduction of new legislation and new laws, this is a good place to start.”
The decision for the entire CMA office to switch from sugary staples to natural nourishment has literally been an “organic” process. What started as CEO Dustin Corcoran’s private interest in promoting a healthy lifestyle for his own family has slowly grown into a carefully thought-out investment within his work environment, too.
“First we did it at home and my kids really like it,” says Corcoran. “We want to set a healthy example. For the CMA, it just occurred to me that that’s part of what our mission is. It seems very logical that we ought to walk the walk.”
Once a week, the locally-based company Farm Fresh To You will be delivering fruit and vegetable baskets that are meant to encourage “free-range snacking” for CMA employees. The delivery service is widely available to many northern California home and business sites, offering a variety of options in quantity and frequency of delivery. Particular requests for certain kinds of shipments are possible, but are greatly based on seasonal availability, which has forced some culinary creativity.
“It just looks cool,” adds Weedn. “We get a big basket of fresh new things in and wonder what we’re getting next. People get excited!”
But trying to get California’s growing waistline to trim down isn’t exactly a new item on the state’s menu.
In 2003, then-Sen. Deborah Ortiz developed the California Childhood Obesity Prevention Act that was intended to ban sodas, high fructose juices and other “sugar drinks” from all high school, middle and elementary school campus vending machines within the state. But in a watered-down version of itself, the act was approved into law the following year after high schools were made exempt from this new law.
“We know that there have been efforts made in the past when it comes to promoting healthy eating,” says Weedn. “And CMA actively works with other groups like the California Center for Public Health Advocacy to take a look at some of the existing legislative efforts. We want to extend these kinds of ideas to other community members and organizations in the greater Capitol network. We want to challenge what’s possible.”
The prohibition of trans-fat, caloric menu labeling and even statewide requirements regarding individual food service handler registration are all consumption-related legislation created by California lawmakers just within the last few years.
Some may say that the litigious and social influence to eat better is stronger than ever. But the vending machine industry isn’t backing down to this kind of legal pressure. If anything they’re embracing it.
“It’s not surprising when some groups decide to collectively make healthy choices for their office,” says National Automatic Merchandising Association (NAMA) spokeswoman Jackie Clark. “But there’s also been a huge movement for having foods available (in a vending machine) that are better for you.”
Clark is quick to point out that the vending industry wants people to be making more healthful choices as an afternoon snack. While trends for healthy eating come and go, NAMA has worked to form nationally-recognized nutrition standards including the “35-10-35” program, the “Balanced for Life” Initiative and the “Fit Pick Program” as just some of the ways that vending machine organizations can compete with consumers changing dietary needs.
“It’s not the machines themselves, it’s what you put in them,” continues Clark. “You can still have healthy living incorporated within the workplace, but there are lots of reasons to use vending machines to do so.”
In fact, vending machines have come a long way. Clark says today’s automatic dispensaries are the most “green option” available, noting that the majority of machines are as energy-efficient as ever. They can properly store a wide variety of sustainable choices for the finicky palate. “We also have over 2,000 organizations who actively utilize our programs with over 30,000 machines in use,” says Clark. “That provides jobs for a lot of people.”
The CMA recognizes the role that vending machines and their suppliers can play within California’s struggling economy. But by utilizing the proximity of local farms and the freshness and availability of their wares, CMA’s CEO believes its office is making the right choice.
“We consider this a long-term investment in our people,” adds Corcoran. “It might cost more to have fresh, healthy food delivered than it would be to stock up on chips, cookies, candy and whatnot. Sometimes that’s what people go to because that’s all that’s available. But this is cost-effective for how we operate; it’s a value to offer these kinds of alternatives to our employees.”
This kind of inner-office change isn’t meant to fulfill any kind of collective resolution for the new year; it’s a small but serious step to change people’s lives. Some CMA employees are already seeing the results. Nick Birtcil is taking this new eating alternative to the next level and making it part of his everyday life. In the few months that he’s decided to make the change, Birtcil has already lost 40 pounds.
“I’ve been overweight my entire life,” sighs Birtcil. “As I got older, I started getting all of the problems that come with being a big guy – the heartburn, fatigue, high blood pressure, it all goes together. One day I went to give blood and I wasn’t allowed to, my blood pressure was too high. I couldn’t do it and I’m only 24. I finally realized that something has got to change. ”
After an “immediate” increase of healthier dietary choices, along with consistently tracking his caloric intake and regular trips to the gym, Birtcil is excited about his 2012. He even has a chart in the shape of his former self in his CMA workspace so that his coworkers can track his results. “Everybody has been really encouraging and it’s extremely helpful to see CMA moving in a direction that gets rid of the junk food, that moves towards fresher options,” says Birtcil.
“Just having the fruit there and not having a vending machine full of bad choices is extremely motivating. Our group always advocates healthy living. Now we’re talking the talk and walking the walk,” he said.
It’s not easy to make personal changes, let alone keep an entire office accountable, but it’s worth the effort.
“It’s been exciting and inspirational to be on this journey,” concludes Corcoran. “To have the Capitol community rally around something like this … I think it’s cool.”
 The California Department of Industrial Relations (DIR) highlights new laws that apply to California employers and take effect Jan. 1, 2012. The new laws are designed to provide protections for employees and detail requirements for new hires. Other new laws allow for employer savings in their workers’ compensation costs.
Starting on Jan. 1, 2012, California employers must provide additional information to new hires that are not exempt from overtime, are not public employees, or subject to certain collective bargaining agreements. Assembly Bill, (AB) 469 requires a written notice be provided at the time of hire that contains specified information about rate of pay, pay day designation, physical address of the employer’s main office and the name, address, and phone number of the employer’s workers’ compensation carrier.
A template of the written notice is available from the California Labor Commissioner at www.dir.ca.gov/dlse.Under the new requirements of AB 243, farm labor contractors are now required to include, in the itemized information on employee pay statements, the name and address of the legal entity (usually a grower) that secured the services of the farm labor contractor.
Payment rules for dispensing medical equipment and drugs, including compounded drugs, are prescribed by AB 378. This bill also reduces inappropriate financial incentives in order to lowers workers’ compensation costs by by prohibiting referral of a patient to a pharmacy in which the physician has financial interest.
AB 1168 lowers workers’ compensation costs by establishing a fee schedule for vocational experts. This will prohibit vocational experts from being paid fees in excess of what is allowed under the schedule.
SB 826 establishes a penalty schedule for addressing violations of workers’ compensation data reporting requirements by claims administrators.
 National Consumer Research Institute Predicts Top Five Health Trends for 2012
Liquid Energy Shots and Health-Related Smartphone Apps Top List of Consumer Health Trends That Will Dominate in the New Year
SANTA ANA, CA, Dec 28, 2011 (MARKETWIRE via COMTEX) — The need for better sleep and a growing appetite for liquid energy shots and health-related smartphone apps are among the top consumer health trends expected to make headlines in 2012, according to a leading national research group studying health-related attitudes and behavior in America.
The Values Institute at DGWB, a social science research entity based in Santa Ana, Calif., used observational studies to identify five health and wellness trends that Americans are most likely to embrace in 2012. The list is an extension of the Institute’s extensive work in values-based marketing and social entrepreneurialism, as well as a long-term partnership with the international research firm Iconoculture of Minneapolis.
The top five consumer health trends for 2012 are:
1. America’s Infatuation with Boosting Energy… Naturally. The recent surge in the popularity of liquid energy shots like Red Bull, Monster and 5-Hour Energy should continue. Far beyond a Millennial-only trend, these products are increasingly popular with seniors, as evidenced by 5-Hour’s partnership with John Ratzenberger. There is a potential for a backlash as health-seeking consumers look for the same boost from 100% natural sources with ingredients they can pronounce. These could include green tea extract, vitamins, whole grains, raw foods like bananas and dates and specifically designed products like Jamba Juice and V8 Energy Shots. → Continue reading Top 5 Health Trends for 2012
 It may be a little early in the season for tick information, but file this away for “brushing up” on all you need to know about ticks in advance of springtime (aka “Tick Season!). The link at the bottom has first aid information.
Medical Authors: Barbara K. Hecht, PhD, Frederick Hecht, MD, FAAP, FACMG
Medical Editor: William C. Shiel Jr., MD, FACP, FACR
Ticks carry the bacteria that cause Lyme disease. People contract Lyme disease by being bitten by these ticks.
In order to investigate whether specific human behavior increases the risk of tick exposure, researchers from the University of California at Berkeley took to the woods. They found that sitting on a log carried with it the greatest risk of picking up a tick. If you sit on a log (at least in Northern California) for only five minutes, you have a 30% chance of getting a tick on you! Gathering wood was also cited as a risky activity as well as leaning up against a tree.
Comment: Aside from issuing a press release (below) about this study, it was also published in the current issue of the Journal of Medical Entomology. In case you aren’t familiar with this journal, it is chock-full of everything you might want to know (or not know) about the dangers that mosquitoes, cat fleas, ticks, flies, scorpions, mange mites and other insects pose to you. We don’t recommend it for bedtime reading.
First aid after tick bites.
More tick information here.
Most workers compensation managers do not think twice about the workers comp claim for the employee stung by a bee or bitten by a flea. It is usually a first aid only claim or at worse, a medical only claim, right? Wrong! While the majority of claims for biting and stinging insects or spiders (spiders are not insects, they have 8 legs and are technically classified as arthropods) will be minor, there can be some nasty injury claims, especially from spider bites or multiple bees/wasp stings.
Employees that work outside like construction workers and landscapers are the most likely to encounter a bite or a sting, but warehouse workers and others who work around products or inventory where items set stationary for a while can come into contact with insects and spiders. While office workers, retail employees, and other indoor occupations have less exposures to bites and stings, the risk manager needs to be sure the people in pest eradication do the job, or even office workers can encounter a bite or a sting.
People often refer to insects and spiders as poisonous, but all insects and spiders are poisonous only if they are eaten. What they are is venomous. Insects and spiders normally inject a venom into the victims either through a bite or a sting. It is the venom that creates the work comp claim, not the actual bite or sting itself.
Rarely are bites or stings serious enough to require hospitalization or are deadly, but there are known cases where people with a weak immune system, elderly or very young children have died from bites or stings. Spider bites create the most work comp claims, especially bites from brown recluse, black widow, brown widow, and hobo spiders.
→ Continue reading Workers Comp Claims from Spiders, Bees, Fire Ants, Fleas, Mosquitoes, Bedbugs, Wasps, Hornets, Lice, Scorpions, Ticks, Mites, Bites, and Stings… Oh My!
 Trying to stay up to date on new laws and court cases that affect your testing program can be very time consuming.
In Compliance Information you can locate these laws and court cases by state or by issue or will research it for you.
In the Policy Toolbox you can develop or review your policy or have us do it for you.
For training you have the option of the DVD Training Kits or the drug free workplace state specific on-line training(DFWP).
We are sending out periodic newsletters, which you can sign up for today. If you missed an issue you can find it here in the Newsletter archive.
We also offer topical teleclasses, which are recorded and accessible here for later use. The information videos produced for the site are available in the video training archive.
The Library is a collection of articles written by Bill Judge and other contributing authors on important drug testing issues.
Resources Links are to here to assist people to locate information and treatment services.
“What You Need to Know” is constantly updated with contributions from Bill Judge and other substance abuse professionals?
The News Update is refreshed on daily basis to bring you current information.
Along with the subscription and premium options we hope you find these resources useful.
 On November 23, 2011, Secretary of Transportation Ray LaHood announced the finalization of an important new Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) rule prohibiting commercial truck and bus drivers from any handheld mobile phone use while driving.
This is a huge development for the entire trucking industry for three main reasons:
1. The rule is crystal clear with regard to employer liability, stating that carriers are responsible for the actions of its employees and will generally be held accountable (fines up to $11,000 per incident) for violations that occur when drivers are carrying out company business or otherwise acting on the employer’s behalf.
2. The rule is silent with regard to recommended enforcement methods, choosing instead to clarify that an employer having a written policy in place is not sufficient enforcement, and if a violation occurs, the employer will still be held accountable for the employee’s actions.
3. Rule violations count against carriers’ BASICS scores under the “Unsafe Driving” category.
For trucking companies, however, the new rule is a complicated and sharp double-edged sword.
On one hand, the rule imposes significant financial penalties (up to $11,000 per incident) upon commercial fleets that turn a blind eye toward the 60% of truckers who admit to using cell phones while on the road.
On the other hand, the rule, like similar state laws, is inherently difficult to enforce as drivers are not inclined to put their phones down just because they are told to. Indeed, without tools to actively enforce compliance with cell phone use regulations, the FMCSA and the entire trucking industry should temper their expectations as to how many drivers will voluntarily comply.
The bottom line is that this seemingly simple rule is actually quite complex. However, there is good news for regulators and industry stakeholders: industry leaders such as XATA Turnpike have developed simple and affordable compliance solutions that actively or passively promote safe and legal use of cell phones while driving on the job.
To see a compliance solution in action, contact us for a free demo of FleetSafer Vision.
For further analysis of what this rule means for trucking firms, check out this post by XATA’s Ryan Barnett.
FleetSafer Vision and FleetSafer Mobile are tools designed to give trucking companies a simple and affordable way to promote safe and legal use of cell phones while driving on the job.
 Have you ever put much thought into the “slip resistance” rating of the shoe you and your employees wear to work? Here’s some information that may have “slipped” by you!
Slip, trip and fall injuries make up 15 percent of all worker’s compensation claims.
The average slip and fall worker’s compensation claim is nearly $22,000.
Sixty-five percent of lost work days are due to slip and fall accidents.
Twenty-two percent of slip and fall incidents resulted in more than 31 days away from work.
Twenty-four percent of workplace slip and falls can be directly attributed to footwear.
How can I protect my employees from slip and falls?
A great way for an employer to reduce slip and fall accidents is with a company-wide slip resistant shoe program. This program should be a part of an overall safety plan and can be handled by the safety director or loss prevention specialist in the organization. A good slip resistant shoe program can reduce slip and falls by 50 percent or more with little or no cost to the employer.
By mandating employees wear appropriate footwear for their working environment and providing guidance about where and how to purchase slip resistant shoes, businesses can proactively reduce their accident rates and better protect their employees.
How do slip resistant shoes prevent slip and falls?
Slip resistant shoes have a specially made sole that offers increased resistance to sliding or skidding in wet or greasy surface conditions. This sole is made from a softer rubber compound that is designed to provide more traction by gripping the microscopic roughness of the walking surface. Additionally, slip-resistant shoe soles typically feature a grid-like tread pattern that funnels liquid out from under the shoe, preventing hydroplaning on water or grease.
How do I know my employees are wearing the right shoes?
Not all slip resistant shoes perform equally. Make sure that employees are only wearing shoes that have been tested and have a slip resistance rating. Many of the shoes from retail shoe stores claim to be slip resistant, but don’t offer any significant increase in protection for your employees. A quality slip resistant shoe vendor should be able to produce test results to verify the slip resistance of their shoes.
What styles of slip resistant shoes are there?
Nearly any type of work shoe can be made with a slip resistant sole. Depending on your workplace, the shoe styles your employees wear will vary:
1. If you run a restaurant, your kitchen workers might be wearing waterproof clogs, while your servers could be wearing oxfords.
2. A hospital or long-term care facility will be a great setting for comfortable, supportive sneakers.
3. An industrial or manufacturing setting needs something tougher, such a steel toe or comp toe work boot.
4. Consider keeping a stock of various sized overshoes on hand for new hires to wear until they get proper footwear, or for visiting supervisors.
|
Recent Posts
- Valentine’s Day Sugar Massacre?
- Is it Growers vs. the Environmentalist?
- California’s Quest for Healthy Eating Habits in the Workplace
- California DIR Highlights New Laws Slated To Take Effect In 2012
- Top 5 Health Trends for 2012
- First aid after tick bites
- Workers Comp Claims from Spiders, Bees, Fire Ants, Fleas, Mosquitoes, Bedbugs, Wasps, Hornets, Lice, Scorpions, Ticks, Mites, Bites, and Stings… Oh My!
- Your 411 For Drug Testing Rules, Regs & Guidelines
- FMCSA Bans Handheld Cell Phone Use While Driving… Employers Liable Up to $11K
|
California’s Quest for Healthy Eating Habits in the Workplace
By Cindy Baker | 01/12/12 12:00 AM PST
The 35,000-member California Medical Association, the doctors’ statewide lobbying and communications arm, has long sought better eating habits in California schools, offices and work spaces. Now, CMA’s Sacramento-based headquarters has decided to tackle the state’s nutrition issues at its own front door.
Rather than stocking ubiquitous vending machines with the familiar candy bars, cookies, chips and other heart-stopping treats, the CMA will provide its own employees with fresh, health-conscious fruit and vegetable-based snacks. In fact, the vending machine is being tossed out entirely. The association hopes the change catches on statewide.
“We’re always advocating for public health,” says CMA spokeswoman Molly Weedn. “This is a new year and with the introduction of new legislation and new laws, this is a good place to start.”
The decision for the entire CMA office to switch from sugary staples to natural nourishment has literally been an “organic” process. What started as CEO Dustin Corcoran’s private interest in promoting a healthy lifestyle for his own family has slowly grown into a carefully thought-out investment within his work environment, too.
“First we did it at home and my kids really like it,” says Corcoran. “We want to set a healthy example. For the CMA, it just occurred to me that that’s part of what our mission is. It seems very logical that we ought to walk the walk.”
Once a week, the locally-based company Farm Fresh To You will be delivering fruit and vegetable baskets that are meant to encourage “free-range snacking” for CMA employees. The delivery service is widely available to many northern California home and business sites, offering a variety of options in quantity and frequency of delivery. Particular requests for certain kinds of shipments are possible, but are greatly based on seasonal availability, which has forced some culinary creativity.
“It just looks cool,” adds Weedn. “We get a big basket of fresh new things in and wonder what we’re getting next. People get excited!”
But trying to get California’s growing waistline to trim down isn’t exactly a new item on the state’s menu.
In 2003, then-Sen. Deborah Ortiz developed the California Childhood Obesity Prevention Act that was intended to ban sodas, high fructose juices and other “sugar drinks” from all high school, middle and elementary school campus vending machines within the state. But in a watered-down version of itself, the act was approved into law the following year after high schools were made exempt from this new law.
“We know that there have been efforts made in the past when it comes to promoting healthy eating,” says Weedn. “And CMA actively works with other groups like the California Center for Public Health Advocacy to take a look at some of the existing legislative efforts. We want to extend these kinds of ideas to other community members and organizations in the greater Capitol network. We want to challenge what’s possible.”
The prohibition of trans-fat, caloric menu labeling and even statewide requirements regarding individual food service handler registration are all consumption-related legislation created by California lawmakers just within the last few years.
Some may say that the litigious and social influence to eat better is stronger than ever. But the vending machine industry isn’t backing down to this kind of legal pressure. If anything they’re embracing it.
“It’s not surprising when some groups decide to collectively make healthy choices for their office,” says National Automatic Merchandising Association (NAMA) spokeswoman Jackie Clark. “But there’s also been a huge movement for having foods available (in a vending machine) that are better for you.”
Clark is quick to point out that the vending industry wants people to be making more healthful choices as an afternoon snack. While trends for healthy eating come and go, NAMA has worked to form nationally-recognized nutrition standards including the “35-10-35” program, the “Balanced for Life” Initiative and the “Fit Pick Program” as just some of the ways that vending machine organizations can compete with consumers changing dietary needs.
“It’s not the machines themselves, it’s what you put in them,” continues Clark. “You can still have healthy living incorporated within the workplace, but there are lots of reasons to use vending machines to do so.”
In fact, vending machines have come a long way. Clark says today’s automatic dispensaries are the most “green option” available, noting that the majority of machines are as energy-efficient as ever. They can properly store a wide variety of sustainable choices for the finicky palate. “We also have over 2,000 organizations who actively utilize our programs with over 30,000 machines in use,” says Clark. “That provides jobs for a lot of people.”
The CMA recognizes the role that vending machines and their suppliers can play within California’s struggling economy. But by utilizing the proximity of local farms and the freshness and availability of their wares, CMA’s CEO believes its office is making the right choice.
“We consider this a long-term investment in our people,” adds Corcoran. “It might cost more to have fresh, healthy food delivered than it would be to stock up on chips, cookies, candy and whatnot. Sometimes that’s what people go to because that’s all that’s available. But this is cost-effective for how we operate; it’s a value to offer these kinds of alternatives to our employees.”
This kind of inner-office change isn’t meant to fulfill any kind of collective resolution for the new year; it’s a small but serious step to change people’s lives. Some CMA employees are already seeing the results. Nick Birtcil is taking this new eating alternative to the next level and making it part of his everyday life. In the few months that he’s decided to make the change, Birtcil has already lost 40 pounds.
“I’ve been overweight my entire life,” sighs Birtcil. “As I got older, I started getting all of the problems that come with being a big guy – the heartburn, fatigue, high blood pressure, it all goes together. One day I went to give blood and I wasn’t allowed to, my blood pressure was too high. I couldn’t do it and I’m only 24. I finally realized that something has got to change. ”
After an “immediate” increase of healthier dietary choices, along with consistently tracking his caloric intake and regular trips to the gym, Birtcil is excited about his 2012. He even has a chart in the shape of his former self in his CMA workspace so that his coworkers can track his results. “Everybody has been really encouraging and it’s extremely helpful to see CMA moving in a direction that gets rid of the junk food, that moves towards fresher options,” says Birtcil.
“Just having the fruit there and not having a vending machine full of bad choices is extremely motivating. Our group always advocates healthy living. Now we’re talking the talk and walking the walk,” he said.
It’s not easy to make personal changes, let alone keep an entire office accountable, but it’s worth the effort.
“It’s been exciting and inspirational to be on this journey,” concludes Corcoran. “To have the Capitol community rally around something like this … I think it’s cool.”