Employees at five different companies collectively lost 805 pounds over six weeks this summer. They also
raised $805 for Big Brothers/Big Sisters of Central Indiana.
Indianapolis-based Monarch Beverage is among hundreds of central Indiana companies that
have introduced wellness programs to counteract the rising costs of health insurance and Worker’s Compensation.
It takes a map of the entire metro area to show all the projects the YMCA of Greater Indianapolis has on its drawing board.
The $30 million plan calls for building two brand-new facilities, one in Avon and one in Pike Township; expanding
the Fishers YMCA; and building a new outdoor pool in Lawrence.
The closures come as the parent company reorganizes and competitors pump up their local presence.
In the last six months we have been concerned with falling numbers—sales, stock prices, 401(k) values, the bottom line. More
recently, however, I have been concerned with rising numbers—blood pressure, cholesterol, prostate antigens, the waistline.
The people of Indiana need to work to improve education, the overall health of our work force, and productivity and innovation.
Obesity and smoking rates are little changed since Indiana Gov. Mitch Daniels took office in January 2005.
Fishers chiropractor Steven Roberts had been teaching fitness classes using inflatable exercise balls for about seven years when he had a brainstorm—his adult clients might get even more out of them if the balls had handles.
Health care benefits that promote wellness should be an ongoing executive suite focus, not simply an annual budget concern.
At least five companies are scouting locations for dozens of new health clubs in a blitz that could help the city shed its
reputation for high rates of obesity. The fitness club business is booming nationwide, and several chains are betting Hoosiers
are among those looking for more convenient opportunities to get in shape.
