Does Health HAVE to Rely on Evidence Based?

I had to stop and take a deep breath before writing because I anticipate this newsletter will be the most - shall we say - controversial.

The words "evidence based" seems to be used these days the same as the Awards of Excellence companies tout as "earning". Call me cynical, but I'd like to shed a few thoughts on the subject.

Let's start off by defining evidence based:

Here's what Google provided when I asked for a definition, and it works for me. The key words, however, are "best available current research."

Evidence based DOES NOT mean definitive, final, will never change. It's based on what we believe to be true now with the information we have. Do you remember when eggs were bad for you? How about fats, wine, chocolate, and coffee? In time, with additional research, we received clarification and - in some cases - backtracking on the fear-mongering.

In the world of selling workplace wellness services, I hear employers say, "We only will offer programs that include evidence based services" and then I hear they just completed a weight loss challenge. This is a little contradictory. Oy!

Folks, we need to broaden our perspective about what people need in their search for attaining and maintaining optimal wellbeing!

I made the decision long ago to include in You Define Wellness pretty much anything that an individual defines as wellness for themselves (thus the name). Yes, among the fitness, nutrition and mental health services in our Employee Benefit Plan for Healthy Living, we also include holistic services that include readings (psychic, oracle cards, akashic records, etc), but here's the reason why... IF SOMEONE'S STRESS LEVEL GOES DOWN BECAUSE OF WHAT THEY CHOOSE, that's evidence of it supporting their wellbeing. You may not agree with what someone chooses, but it's their life to lead, not yours.

Having said all this, there's more...

The process of creating change in one's life starts with a foundation of education, followed by setting a plan for success, and then putting the plan into motion.

It is our personal responsibility before starting something new to learn what we can about it before making a final decision. Check out the pro's and con's. Know who you're dealing with and their background. Learn about alternatives.

Our responsibility when someone (employee, friend, loved one) makes an informed decision is to SUPPORT them!

• Recently a loved one of mine made the decision to have gastric bypass and was terrified to tell me. She thought, in light of what I do, that I'd be judgmental. It's true that I wish she'd gone another route, but I also know the struggle she's endured for most of her life. I know she's tried multiple things with little success and at the end of the day, insurance was willing to pay for the surgery. She has my unlimited support and knows it.

Employers can support employees with CHOICES!

As an employer, your business isn't about wellness but you most likely understand that happy, healthy & thriving employees is critical to your success... and every dollar you spend in benefits must be weighed against return. I encourage you to evaluate what you're offering employees and make sure it's comprehensive. If you need help with this, schedule a free, no-sales-zone consultation. Here's my?calendar link.

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