Having a health background, I have many friends on Facebook who also work in the health sector. Many have put short videos on face book of their team or hospital performing dances and carols with suitably modified words linking their speciality and Christmas. The videos are brilliant and funny. I love them. I had one this morning from a hospital in Australia which was lovely.
But I couldn't help but notice that as a group of health professionals, how many of them exceeded their healthy BMI, some by small amounts, some by huge amounts. When I was working I counted myself in the unhealthy BMI by the way so I'm not fat shaming.
All these health professionals worked in high stress areas-emergency departments, labour wards, critical care etc,so the need to be healthy and fit is paramount.
I understand about stress and pressure, no breaks, no canteens offering hot and healthy food, shift work, long shifts etc. to some extent it cant be avoided and these workers know more than most how important self care in diet and exercise is. But its such a struggle.
So I got to ponder on the responsibility of the employer to do more to support these workers in being a healthy weight. I'm not suggesting compulsory slimming clubs or long distance runs before an early shift. But recognition or rewards for positive behaviour, access to healthy foods not choc from the vending machine, more intensive support for those that ask for it, stuff along those lines. The work environment for our health workers is toxic for many in terms of their physical and mental health.
A healthy , fit workforce could be more productive, more energetic, have less morbidities and most importantly, be excellent role models for their patients.
Am I unreasonable to ask Santa to bring some TLC and support for our health professionals?
Well, well. Is it ‘global warming’ or ‘cloud seeding’?
