By now, you’ve probably seen a plethora of ads for the lastest and greatest footwear innovation – toning shoes. Reebok, Skechers, MBT, and others have hopped on the toning shoe bandwagon started, arguably, by Fit Flops.

I’ve seen folks of all ages wearing them – some are hardly noticeable, and others look downright ridiculous, with their sloped soles. Even Joe Montana is a believer as the spokesman for Skechers.

But the bottom line – do they work? Interestingly, the American Council on Exercise says no. In a recent study by the nonprofit organization, there was conclusive evidence that proves that the shoes are no miracle, no matter what model you choose.

To read more about the debate, check out the Wall Street Journal’s overview on the issue.

Causing more than 5 million deaths per year, tobacco use is the leading preventable cause of death.  It is estimated that by the year 2030, tobacco use will cause more than 10 million deaths annually.  It is also estimated that approximately 70% of smokers want to quit completely, and 40% of smokers try to quit each year.

Although smoking cessation efforts that are proven to work exist, they are vastly underutilized by tobacco users. With such staggering statistics, it is crucial that cessation efforts be accessible and attractive to tobacco users.  As a result, social networking is quickly shaping the way smokers kick the habit; and it’s more than just the latest trend.  Research has shown that smoking cessation efforts are strengthened by a positive support system.

QuitNet®, an online community and smoking cessation tool, has caught on to the benefits of social networking and is helping smokers build the support systems they need to beat their addiction.  The successful site and its multitude of nicotine-free members further support research which has revealed a positive correlation between social connectedness and relapse prevention for smokers.

Although more research is needed to validate these findings, it seems promising that social networking will emerge as a key component of smoking cessation efforts in the 21^st century.

“In global business today there exists a simple truth:  no innovation can go forward without embracing some form of technology.”

This reality is the driving force behind TechPoint, an advocacy organization for Indiana’s technology sector.  The group “promotes technology-based enterprise and economic development through lobbying and government advocacy, educational and networking programs, and strategic economic development initiatives.”

As part of these initiatives, each year TechPoint recognizes the best of the best in the state of Indiana with the Mira Awards.  And this year’s ceremony was no exception; the state’s top companies, institutions, and individuals were awarded with honors for their excellence and innovation in technology.  In fact, the outstanding contributions of some of our clients landed them a coveted spot in the winners circle.

ExactTarget – awarded the Information Technology Mira Award, for the second year in a row, based on their globally renowned email marketing software and integrated marketing solutions.

My Health Care Manager – awarded the Mira Award for Health Care IT Innovation of the Year for its SCANS™/Care Advisor geriatric-health decision support system.

A big congratulation to all of the 2010 Mira Award winners and finalists!

Be sure to check out the full list of Mira Award winners and learn more about how they are shaping Indiana’s technological landscape.

Gone are the days of walking, running, biking, or swimming to get in your recommended daily dose of physical activity. According to the American Heart Association, all it takes these days is a little bit of quality time in front of the television with a Nintendo Wii in hand.  That’s right; the American Heart Association has teamed up with Nintendo to promote physically active play as part of a healthy lifestyle. Nintendo’s gaming products, the Wii, Wii Fit Plus, and Wii Sports Resort will now be officially endorsed, sporting the Healthy Check logo, by the AHA starting this summer.

With all of the research that has linked playing video games with obesity, is this initiative really that beneficial to our health? According to Dr. Clyde Yancy, president of the American Heart Association, “we can ignore the audience that is engaged with gaming, a huge audience, or we can find a different way of engaging that audience”.  While it’s true that the majority of Americans spend more than 8 hours per day sitting, active play video games may not do much to improve their health. According to Janet Fulton, an epidemiologist with the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, “the amount of activity one achieves from these gaming devices is inconclusive in terms of its benefits on health”.

So why is the American Heart Association, a non-profit organization whose mission is to “Build healthier lives free of cardiovascular diseases and stroke” promoting a product lacking in evidence of health benefits? This is the million dollar question, literally. As a gift for the endorsement, the AHA will receive a reported 1.5 million dollars from Nintendo over the next 3 years which, according to Yancy, will be used for the broad construct of heart health and promotion of physically active play. The AHA argues that there is growing popularity of these video games and that they have to engage the people where they are.

On the other side of the coin, the Wii offers a physical component to video games that may be beneficial for those who already spend a lot of time gaming.  Standing and moving your arm is arguably better than sitting and not moving at all, and though activity on the Wii has been proven to burn more energy than sitting in front of the TV, there is also evidence that active gaming is not a substitute for real sports and activity. Since its actual benefits on health remain unclear, using the Wii console alone as a way to get activity is a poor alternative to the real thing.

It’s true that doing something rather than nothing is better for your health, but the AHA seems a bit too eager to endorse this product when the health benefits are still unclear.  As one of the most recognizable and respected labels, putting its symbol on products that are questionable in their association with health benefits may compromise the integrity of the AHA. Although the AHA may face some harsh criticism over this, one thing is clear, exergaming is the thing of the future whether we agree with it or not.

What are your thoughts on exergaming? Do you consider it to be enough physical activity for yourself?

Has this partnership changed your views of the American Heart Association ?

To learn more about the partnership between Nintendo and the AHA, please visit: http://activeplaynow.com/

We all have those aspects of our health that we’d like to improve – quit smoking, lose a few pounds, eat more veggies – but should we be penalized for our unhealthy habits? A recent poll, taken by CNNMoney.com, asked how people felt about employers penalizing employees for unhealthy behavior. The results of the poll were mixed. While 31% said yes, companies should penalize their employees for unhealthy behavior, 38% said no, they should reward healthy behaviors instead.  Another 22% said penalties should be reserved only for very unhealthy habits like smoking, and 9% said that employers should never penalize for unhealthy behavior.

The truth of the matter is that unhealthy behaviors cost.  An obese employee alone racks up an extra $1400 per year on healthcare costs, and with 34% of U.S. adults being obese, it adds up to a hefty financial burden for employers. Smoking and other risk factors for disease, like high blood pressure and high cholesterol, also hike up the cost to employers.  While employee health should remain a top priority for employers, the method by which they encourage healthy choices is still up for discussion.

Recently, companies have been monetarily penalizing employees that engage in unhealthy behaviors or do not participate in wellness programs and health screenings. This method may initially be effective in persuading more employees to participate, but fear of punishment for lifestyle choices could create a negative workplace atmosphere.

Offering incentives is an alternative method.  Incentives still encourage certain employee behavior, but in a much more positive way. Programs that aim to reward healthy behaviors have been shown to improve employee morale and increase employee retention, and have been proven to be effective in reducing healthcare costs to employers, even over the long term. This means that employees who participate in incentive programs are more likely to continue their healthy behaviors, even after the program ends.

Post a comment and let us know what you think about penalizing employees for unhealthy behavior.  Is it effective?  Are incentives a better alternative?  We want to hear both sides of the story!

We have two new authors to welcome to our blog – Lauren and Tara. We are lucky to have interns in both the marketing and wellness specialty areas this summer. Lauren and Tara, along with Heather, have been working hard learn more about our business and bring us new ideas.

Be on the lookout for new blog posts and perspectives – and welcome ladies! Glad to have you here.

Without a doubt you won’t find a more engaged, tenacious, “Twitterific”, business owner than Scott Wise.  Scott, a fellow Ball State Alum, is the founder and owner of the Scotty’s Brewhouse franchise (the top selling pickle chips with horseradish dip are a real show stopper).

You may have seen Scott’s recent interview with the IBJ.  The article provides a good perspective on how Scott views the role of social media in the restaurant business and how it is helping him take his brand to a unique level.

This past week, I was lucky enough to grab 30 minutes of Scott’s time to pick his brain.  We covered a few subjects including how to be a successful entrepreneur, a social media king, and his thoughts on being and sustaining a high-performance culture as a business owner in a difficult industry.

Paul: How is your management and leadership development different from your competitors?

Scott: We start by developing people first and foremost.  We recognize it is a financial investment.  I saw Cheesecake Factory’s and their program to provide a BMW lease to all their GMs.  Their program sparked ideas for us such as providing health club memberships.  In 1996 with only one location in Muncie, we provided medical benefits and a 401k.

I also like to recognize employees when they hit an anniversary with us by delivering a hand-written note and a little cash, as a thank you for their service.  In year two, the incentive doubles, and year three it triples, and so on.  On the fifth anniversary, the employee receives a watch.

Paul: Your staff receives many compliments for their excellent customer service (I see at least 5-10 per day on Twitter.) What do you attribute this reality?

Scott: You see me Re-Tweet these compliments often to draw attention to them but not because I want to advertise.  One simple reason is we follow the adage to ‘praise publicly and reprimand in private’.  Doing this on Twitter allows the managers who follow me on Twitter (all do) to learn real time the good performance of our team and also provide public recognition.

Paul: Are you concerned about your ability to build a sustainable culture in such a difficult industry?

Scott: We believe we can do it.  We feel like we are proving it during the growth we have seen in the past few years.  Maintaining the culture has become more difficult the bigger we become.  My blood, sweat and tears were all over the first restaurant and as we grow, there is a danger of the blood getting thinned out….we do make an effort to fight it as we grow.

The beauty of social media (Twitter and Facebook) is that I am able to get back in my stores electronically.  It allows me to give a “Table Touch” (a restaurant term for the purposeful visit of a manager to a table to ensure guest satisfaction) at every store and do so “in front of” 3,300+ guests who are followers on Twitter.  One time we were able to correct a problem in real time when I picked up a Tweet about a service issue.  By correcting the problem while the guest was still with us we 1) amazed the guest with our connectivity to customers and 2) created a raving fan for our brand!

Paul: How do you stay informed of HCR issues? With your focus in social media, do you use any of those methods to stay ‘in the know’?

Scott: With Twitter it is amazing what you can find.  The sources of information are unlimited.  I follow my peers in my industry and learn new ideas and see what they are seeing.

Paul: Are you worried about the increasing cost of health care for your business? What changes have you made because of it?

Scott: We have offered benefits from our very first days so any new mandates do not worry us.  I serve on a the Board of Directors for the Restaurant Association of Indiana and it helps us stay informed and lobby in Washington and at the State House for issues affecting our company.

Paul: What is a new concept or idea on the horizon for your brands?

Scott: The new Scotty’s Lakehouse has been a huge success.  The concept of locally sourced foods and a partnership with Cafe Patachou for the brunch menu has been well received.  We are looking to replicate it and are in conversation with folks in the Columbus OH area.  Keep an eye out for more news on that one!

Thanks again to Scott Wise for his time and perspective.  Here is to good drinks, eats, and Tweets!

In this down economy, you’ve probably heard about companies cutting costs by eliminating non-essential purchasing and expenses. If your company can get by without something and still stay in business, that’s a good thing.  

But what if your company added adoption assistance, a lactation room for new mothers, and upgraded the type of coffee they served in the break room? The Atlanta Journal Constitution ran an article today regarding these small types of fringe benefits. If you think about the big picture for your organization, will eliminating free water service in the break room or the occasional bowl of fresh fruit ruin your budget? Probably not. Before eliminating such “luxuries,” consider the net effect to your employees. If you have to cut back, you have to cut back, but the large items in your budget will always have a greater cost savings than the infrequent or small items.

If you are looking to stretch your benefits dollars, here are some perks to consider adding:

• Access to a financial planner at a discounted rate
• Additional PTO for new parents
• Filtered water system for refilling water bottles
• New tea and coffee offerings to try on a quarterly basis
• Lactation rooms for new moms
• Fresh fruit once a month
• Company paid healthy lunch once a quarter
• Employee Assistance Program (EAP)
• Adoption assistance

Diabetes is a difficult disease. Once it manifests, it can cause a host of complications, including eye problems, infections, heart disease, high blood pressure, and even amputations. And it’s expensive – doctor’s visits, copays, prescriptions, etc. can add up quickly.

The UnitedHealth Group, which you probably know as United Healthcare, has started a new program in conjunction with YMCAs across the country.

Read more about the program from the New York Times here. Our team is going to a demo of the program next week – so we’ll be sure to fill you in on our findings!

I am always intrigued by what numbers tell us and what they leave out.   Here were some interesting numbers I stumbled across this week:

* 2,407: Number of pages in the health care bill

*3.8% the additional tax on investment income starting in 2013

* 2.3% excise tax on medical devices in 2013

* 145 days until Purdue plays Notre Dame in football

* 162,000 new jobs in March according to the Labor Department

* 17,000 new manufacturing jobs

* 16,500 new employees added by IRS for tax season

* 36 the number of years I have been on the planet as of April 2nd.

Numbers taken from various sources.