Over the past 26 weeks, I’ve been studying behavior change more diligently—what is it that motivates someone to begin and then sustain making better choices? The answer is to focus on the intrinsic. By definition, intrinsic means ‘belonging to the essential nature of a thing’. This is unique to every single person. It is also dynamic. Valuing the intrinsic allows a person to elicit his or her best thinking, which in turn enables healthier choices based on what’s important to that person.

Instead of doling out workout plans and diet plans, those of us who want to make healthier choices for the New Year would be better served by asking ourselves a simple, but not so easy question to answer: What is it that I’m wanting for myself that is important to me in relation to ___________ (you fill in the blank)? It’s only when we identify what we want for ourselves based on the intrinsic, and therefore it’s importance, can we truly begin to make lifestyle changes that last.

The holidays are notorious for being the time of year when most people pack on a few extra pounds. While a few pounds may not seem significant, when you add up several years' worth of holiday weight gain, they can make the difference between a healthy and an unhealthy employee.

When constructing a wellness program within your organization, creating a solid wellness team is critical to your program’s success. Teams lead the way for other employees to transform their lives and make positive, healthy choices. Consider the following suggestions for developing a wellness team and getting your wellness program off to a good start.

Formally Appoint Team Members And A Leader

November is American Diabetes Month. For those of you who know me well, you are probably aware that diabetes prevention and education is a subject about which I am very passionate.

While the holidays were once a time of family togetherness and peaceful rejoicing, today's world has made it a frantic rush to host the perfect party and outdo relatives with gift selections. With holiday work events, family meals, and parties with friends, you may feel pulled in several directions asyour calendar quickly fills up. Alas, the stress begins. But what to do? Make sure you schedule time for yourself to relax and enjoy the season or you run the risk of over-stressing, losing sleep, and becoming so exhausted you get sick.

The key to an effective wellness program is communication. Your employees must know about the programs and understand how they can benefit. Here are five strategies to help you achieve your goals:

Football, backyard campfires, multi-colored landscapes, pumpkin carving, and Halloween festivities. The month of October brings awesome activities and traditions that people of all ages can enjoy. However, for those working in the health care industry, the month of October brings in one of the busiest times of the year: the dreaded cold and flu season.

It seems as if every week there is a new commercial for the “Next Best Thing” in mobile devices.

Lightest Phone in the Universe!

Most large organizations provide health and safety training, but first aid and CPR is often overlooked. The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) states: “In the absence of an infirmary, clinic, or hospital in near proximity to the workplace which is used for the treatment of all injured employees, a person or persons shall be adequately trained to render first aid. Adequate first aid supplies shall be readily available.” This applies to any industry of any size: construction or general, large or small.