Challenges to Overcome
On June 12, 2017, one of CNN’s top headlines read, “One-third of the world is now overweight, with US leading the way.” That’s over 2 billion people!
In 2016, Former First Lady Michelle Obama argued that obesity is one of the most challenging health crises our country has ever faced. A less productive workforce, as well as obesity-related medical costs, are hampering America’s ability to compete in the global economy. Outrageous appetites and inconsistent sleep patterns are costing the US $147 billion a year, accounting for nearly 10 percent of annual medical spending.
Ultimately, the obese spend 42 percent more on health care costs than individuals who maintain a healthy bodyweight.
The National Institute of Mental Health states that “Anxiety Disorders” are the most common mental illness in the U.S., affecting 40 million adults, ages 18 and older, which is one out of every five men and women.
Like obesity, anxiety disorders come at a high price. According to “The Economic Burden of Anxiety Disorders,” a study commissioned by ADAA (The Journal of Clinical Psychiatry, 60(7), July 1999), mental illnesses cost the U.S. more than $42 billion a year.
Our relationships are decaying too. Today, more than 40% of marriages end in divorce. Fatherless homes account for 85% of the youth in prison and 63% of adolescent suicides.
These realities corrode work environments. [Reported in 2013} Only 13% of employees worldwide are engaged at work, according to Gallup’s new 142-country study on the State of the Global Workplace. [Its 29% in the US]. The bulk of employees worldwide — 63% — are “not engaged,” meaning workers lack motivation and they are less likely to invest discretionary effort in organizational goals or outcomes. 24% are “actively disengaged,” indicating they are unhappy and unproductive and thus prone to spread negativity to coworkers. [See Gallup.com]
What is an encouraging thing that companies need to know? “Depending on which reports you read, each dollar a company invests in workplace wellness programs saves between $1 and $13, with a median return of $3.14 on reduced health care costs and improved productivity (1) … there are additional benefits such as reduced absenteeism, enhanced work performance, improved job satisfaction, and employee retention.”
1. Bray, IM. (2009) Healthy employees, healthy business: easy, affordable ways to promote workplace wellness. Washington, NOLO.
A Cause For All
Fearless Health envisions a world in which individuals, families, businesses, and communities thrive because of healthy lifestyle decisions.
To thrive is to self-actualize. When we become the best version of ourselves, everyone savors the reward. Families stabilize. Businesses increase their performance and creativity. Communities deepen their roots while acting as a refuge for those who lack a continued sense of belonging.
Intimacy—the process of knowing and being known—will blossom in the soil of safety, beauty, collaboration.
People will exude greater fitness and beauty. People will work better as teams and be the leaders people want to follow. Families will enjoy each other more and communities will be positively impacted. Essentially everyone wins and the world will be a better place!
The Philosophy Behind It
“We are each of us angels with only one wing, and we can only fly by embracing one another.”
- Luciano De Crescenzo, Italian Writer, Actor, Director, Engineer
No one overcomes insurmountable odds and reaches the pinnacle of success alone. We were made to connect. Because we’re imperfect and often lack awareness of life’s important truths, we need our family and friends to help us on our feet when we fall and to guide us when we’re disillusioned.
Yet this is easier said than done, right?
The strongest families, businesses, and communities thrive through meaningful and enjoyable relationships. As we learn from one another, we transition—sometimes quickly and sometimes slowly—from where we are to where we want to be.
Fearless Health collaborates with you and your “tribe” by using our experience, skills, and knowledge to help you reach your desired future.
To Find Out More Specifics, see Our Way on the Home page