About Lopez Lifelong Wellness
Message from the Wellness Team
Dear Lopez Citizens,
There is much to thank the Good Lord for in this season of good cheer. Despite the global financial meltdown that ravaged the developed countries, the Philippines and especially the Lopez Group was largely unscathed. Consequently, stress management which went on overdrive overseas was, for us, a "walk in the park" so to speak for the most part until October.
Around 5,000 of us were impacted by Typhoon "Ondoy" but quick action by the CEOs and HRs of affected companies in the Group, in the form of generous financial assistance and trauma counseling, cushioned the blow which, otherwise, could have turned into a major Wellness challenge. Knowing that we belong to a business group with a known reputation for "taking care of its own" is a stress reliever in itself.
Our Lifelong Wellness Forums and "Walk the Talk" series were a resounding repeat success this year as in previous years. The Health Assessment Survey (Phase II) was completed, giving us a better idea of employee health profiles, Group-wide and for selected major companies. The profile will help the Team and the Wellness Circles of the operating subsidiaries to tailor Wellness programs for specific health risk categories. The "Race to 120" waist management contest was successfully concluded. Ballroom dancing for stress relief was on its 3rd year running.
Unpredictable weather and volcanic activity caused the postponement of a climb with Group Chairman Oscar M. Lopez to the summit of Mt. Kanlaon in October but, as he's known for, we will look for a better time next year. "Ondoy" also caused the postponement of what would have been our second Lifelong Wellness and Health Fair to April, 2010. The spadework we began this year to extend "Wellness 101" courses beyond our Group's borders is beginning to bear fruit and will formally lift our Lifelong Wellness campaign to a higher level in 2010.
With participation rates going up year-on-year, a sign that a wellness culture is firmly taking root, sustainability is key. The Lifelong Team urges CEO's of the Group to accelerate the process of forming their respective Wellness Circles, soonest possible, to oversee the program. Higher productivity and quality outputs; workplace harmony, personality balance and physical endurance; lower absenteeism and sick leaves; declining health insurance and other health-related expenses, are what Lifelong wishes each company in the Group to aim for and sustain, for the long-pull.
Healthy employees make for healthy companies which are being built to last. With high hopes in our hearts and an abiding faith in the Good Lord who helps those who help themselves, the Lifelong Wellness Team wishes one and all a Holy Christmas and a Blessed 2010.
Be well and stay well!
Rafael M. Alunan III
for the Lifelong Team