Workplace efforts

THE WORKPLACE provision of Governor Patrick's obesity initiative will be far-reaching.

A healthier population and lower healthcare costs will come from a change in our collective behavior. What better place to educate people about nutrition, exercise, and other good lifestyle choices than the workplace, where most of us get health insurance and spend most of our waking hours.

The Department of Public Health has developed a tool kit to help employers promote wellness to their employees and their families. EMC has launched a similar program, which has saved it $190 million in healthcare costs since 2004. There is a great desire among businesses to have access to these tools.

What's more, this is not an idea that cost a lot of money. As obesity grows and budgets shrink, we'll need creative ideas, and this is one of them.

Susan Servais, Executive director
Massachusetts Health Council, Newton