Even if it is only from a standpoint of enlightened self interest, the health and well being of your employees directly affects your company's productivity.

But in light of the now mandated Affordable Health Care Act, we, as business owners, are going to have to confront this issue whether we like it or not.

I have to say that I was never in favor of this national health care system. I’m not against the concept, but I don’t like the approach. My personal opinion is that the insurance industry is the worst thing that ever happened to health care in America and the last thing we need is a law that permanently ties the two together.

The fact is, our current health care system has little to do with making people healthy. Our overall health is declining even as our potential life span is increased. We may be living longer but we are not getting healthier. And healthy employees are better than unhealthy ones who live a long time.

There are many things we as employers can do to encourage our employees be become healthier. No, we cannot control the private lives of those who work for us, but we can offer the option.

Over the next few weeks, I would like to make some suggestions as to how this could be done. Your thoughts are appreciated to get the ball rolling.

D.D.