Who's taking care of the boss?

In the workplace, the "boss" assumes the responsibility for all aspects of the company's success -- quality, productivity, security. All too often, those individuals responsible for the operation of a business are so wrapped up in their employees and other priorities that they neglect their own health.

Everyone else assumes the boss is taking care of himself or herself. Just as employers must think proactively in the business sense, so should they be planning their own personal destiny.

If you are the boss of your company, don't depend on anyone else to worry about your health. As the new year begins, take the time to conduct a personal inventory of your current health situation and take steps now to correct potential problems. First, how is your personal health at this time? Are you currently struggling with conditions that threaten your quality of life or even longevity? If you know you have a problem and aren't following doctor's orders concerning diet, exercise, proper rest or medication, you already have a serious problem. Take care of it immediately. Perhaps you are lucky and have no current problems. But are there warning signs of impending trouble, such as obesity, high blood pressure or sleeplessness? Do you exercise regularly and limit your alcohol intake? Is your physical condition holding you back from enjoying all that you desire? Small things mean a lot in daily care. Simple habits are foundational in keeping you healthy. Don't ignore these daily habits: * Brushing and flossing teeth. * Amount and quality of sleep (7-8 hours necessary for optimal health). * Driving habits and wearing seat belts. * Meal timing (don't skip meals). Watch for subtle, gradual changes in cholesterol, glucose, PSA values, fitness, blood pressure, body fat and weight. A healthy individual should have a complete physical at least every three years. Those with current medical conditions should have annual physicals. Nationwide, less than 50 percent of all executives have regular physicals. This should be a priority for anyone in a high-stress executive position. Other considerations that could make you a prime candidate for significant health problems include: * Smoking. * Drinking alcohol four or more times a week. * Driving aggressively. * Physically demanding job, or participating in "high-risk" recreational activities. * Becoming easily upset or "uptight" -- type A personality. * Family history of significant health problems. * Blood pressure over 140/90, or taking blood pressure medication. * Greater than 15 percent above ideal body weight, over 5 percent ideal body fat. * Currently being treated for diabetes. * Sedentary lifestyle or physical inactivity. * Poor cholesterol or high triglycerides. * Dietary choices include too many calories, more than 30 percent fat, too much saturated fat intake. If you're the boss, many people are depending on you to make wise choices and proactive decisions to ensure a healthy, successful, long-lasting business. It is up to you to take care of your own personal health at the same time. Treat it the way you run your business, and you can expect equally positive results. Michael Stephens is the program director and exercise physiologist of the SCORE program at St. Anthony North. St. Anthony Hospital is a Member of SSM Health Care.

Copyright 1998
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