Pronto Connections Provides Tools for Better Health

Nearly 30% of adults in Illinois are considered obese, and half a million residents suffer from diabetes.  Obesity in the workplace leads to frequent and lengthy absences, doctor visits, and reduces productivity.  The WHO estimates that if current trends continue, the number of overweight people globally will increase to 1.5 billion by 2015.  Pronto thinks it’s time for us all to make a change.

Pronto Connections launched its 3rd Annual Healthy Lifestyle Contest in March.  Spearheaded by Michele Ringwood, President and CEO, Healthy Lifestyles is a 12-week educational contest and incentive program, which emphasizes small changes to diet and exercise in the interest of overall health.  Pronto has hired nutritionist Sarah Gottlieb, R.D., L.D., to meet with employees both one-on-one and as a group to discuss goals and strategies.  Past years have proved a great success.  In 2009, Pronto lost 600 pounds as a company and the contest winner is still 40 pounds lighter, two years later. 

Pronto has provided employees with pedometers and packets filled with daily food logs and articles to encourage participation.  Starting with a goal of walking 5,000 steps a day at the beginning of March, we’re aiming for 10,000 steps, or around 4-5 miles each day by the end of May.  Weekly one-on-one coaching sessions with the nutritionist are free for employees and available to anyone who signs up.  Sarah holds group seminars to discuss small changes that add up to big results, e.g. increasing intake of fiber, water, and vitamins, and decreasing sugar and salt.  Pronto also runs classes on smoking cessation, stress management,  and controlling diabetes and hypertension, based on employee requests.

While Pronto’s grand prize is for highest percentage of weight lost, additional prizes are based on 100% participation.  We are focusing first and foremost on helping each employee improve his or her health.  Our nutritionist will educate the team on the importance of vitamins, the role physical exercise plays in healthy living, and improving quality of diet, in addition to weight management.

Will we meet our goals in 2011?  Stay tuned for updates!