There's always so much talk about health care and all the problems that come with trying to "reform" such a damaged, yet entrenched, system.
So it's always refreshing to see someone step up and – instead of just adding another voice to the cacophony – do something about it.
The latest example comes out of Whole Foods, where they've instated a wellness program to encourage employees to lose weight and the cigarettes. The incentive comes in the form of an increased employee discount, which jumps from 20 percent to 30 percent for those who hit certain goals regarding cholesterol, blood pressure and body mass index. Oh yeah, and you've got to drop the nicotine.
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Personally, I like it. Throw in some kind of gym membership incentive or alcohol exemption, and I'm in. (OK, just joking about that last part.)
Sure, programs like this are aimed at trimming the organic grocery chain's reported $150 million benefits tab from last year, but it also puts the responsibility right where it belongs: on the health care consumer.
And I think, ultimately, this is where the real answer might be hiding.
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