It’s a time of year when many people toss healthy ideas aside in favor or indulging too much. So, we took to the streets one Friday afternoon in December to search the city for fun ways to stay healthy during the holidays.  In our Healthy Holiday Scavenger Hunt, we split into teams, each tasked with healthy challenges to complete before our annual holiday party. Teams documented and shared photos of their adventures at the party.

Challenge #1: Grow, all ye faithful

Tucked away in the Argentine neighborhood of Kansas City, Kansas, is a small organic not-for-profit farm used by urban farmers for educational research.  Here, each team fulfilled a KCCUA wish list which included storage containers and wheel barrows. It was our small way of contributing to a vital resource in the community. Donations like these help the farm operate year round. If you’d like to help, check out more information at http://www.kccua.org/.

Challenge #2: There once was a man from Nantucket…

A limerick. We’ve all heard them, right? But have you ever written one? It’s not as easy as it you might think! In true creative fashion, each team sat down at Harry’s Country Club in the River Market to share pomegranate martinis and write a catchy holiday rhyme. Allegedly healthy Pomegranate martinis, made with the antioxidant and cancer-preventing power of the pomegranate, are not only tasty but packed with essential nutrients.

Challenge #3: Get fit!

Staying fit and healthy during the holidays is a challenge many people face. Once you find an exercise that works for you it’s important to stick to a routine, even during the holidays. Since exercise can be a lot more fun with friends, our teams each developed a 20 minute group workout.

Challenge #4: Share a feast

Now that’s a donation!

In the final challenge, teams were tasked to find a healthy snack to enjoy and to give to someone in need. Each team donated cash, fruit, veggies (or a sandwich) to a worthy recipient; choices included a homeless man and a Salvation Army bell ringer. It was a healthy reminder of the reason for the season.

Our adventure was a fun way to give back to our community and remind ourselves what it means to have a healthy lifestyle. Happy New Year from everyone at Dobies Healthcare Group! And here’s to another healthy, successful year in 2011!

 Imagine if you will… happier and healthier employees, fewer sick days, improved productivity, better bottom-line. Sound like a fairy tale? It could actually be your in company’s future. Many companies that have adopted employee health and wellness programs are reaping these rewards as we speak. I came across an article recently that described how companies are handling rising health care costs and what they are doing to encourage employees to make healthier decisions.

The idea of employee health and wellness programs is not new but now it’s becoming more widespread.  And as part of President Obama’s health reform plan, I think we will be hearing more and more about it. So go ahead and participate in your company’s program. And if your company doesn’t have one, suggest one.