A few months back I got sick. Neither the doctor nor I had any idea what was wrong, so the doctor performed a wide range of tests. One of the results of the testing was the discovery of a congenital heart defect. There was a few weeks between the diagnosis and the time that I was scheduled to see a cardiologist. During that time, I stopped running and exercising completely, because I was scared of what would happen. I was anxious sitting in the waiting room filled with 80 year olds. I am a healthy, active 20something, nothing should be wrong with my heart. It turns out that I had nothing to worry about. The cardiologist says that I am fine, and there is no reason to change any of my future behaviors based on the diagnosis. But the experience was eye-opening for me. It made me realize that no matter what I am currently doing to care for my body, I can do more.

Not that I didn't understand the importance of wellness. It is my job. I get paid to help people improve their health. But I realized that I can do more for me, and with my knowledge and experience, I can do more for my family. That is where this idea was born.

So, without further ado, I introduce to you...the first ever, Lilly Family Wellness Program...Healthy Families. This is a chance for all of us to work together, improving our health and families, one day at a time. The program allows you to be as flexible as you need for your current ability level. It also encourages a little friendly head to head competition. The program is designed to award you points for participating in a list of activities throughout the year. You can earn points by, for example, going to your doctor for blood work, exercising, hosting household wellness activities, participating in a group fitness class, preparing a healthy meal as a family or donating a prize to the pool of program incentive items. At the end of the year the prizes will be distributed and the person with the most points will be awarded an awesome TROPHY and bragging rights!!

As a kickoff for this program, which begins tomorrow, I invite each of you to participate in a Family Thanksgiving Walk wherever you are. It can be in the morning before you meal, or after you eat your feast; it can be 10 minutes or 30 minutes; it is up to you. All that I ask is that you set a precedence, take your family out into the cold and share in some exercise. Be thankful for your ability to walk and you can enjoy it together. Research shows that an average Thanksgiving meal can weigh in at over 3000 calories. While we aren't going to be able to burn off all of our pumpkin pie calories in one little walk, I hope that it will set the stage for the spirit of health and wellness that will be part of our families throughout the year.

And remember, healthy families, start with me!!

Healthy Families Brochure
Healthy Families Tracking Guide