Workplace Wellness & Population Health
Systems-based approaches to employee wellness, workplace nutrition, food access, and cardiometabolic health initiatives. Workplace wellness, employee wellness, workplace nutrition, diabetes-friendly workplace, occupational wellness, population health
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How to Create a Diabetes-Friendly Workplace: Practical Strategies for Employers
Creating healthier workplaces requires more than wellness slogans or occasional lunch-and-learn sessions. For employees living with diabetes, prediabetes, obesity, and other cardiometabolic conditions, the structure and culture of the workplace can directly influence safety, productivity, and long-term health outcomes. I recently had the opportunity to speak at the Colorado Food@Work Collaborative on the topic of diabetes friendly workplaces. The discussion focused on how employers, healthcare organizations, and wellness leaders can move beyond traditional wellness initiatives and create environments that better support real-world diabetes management. Many employees already know what they “should” be doing. The challenge is whether their work environment…
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Coloradans in Action: Highlights from the Annual Nutrition Conference
Ever wonder what a group of registered dietitian nutritionists talk about when we get together? The answer might surprise you. We are far less focused on “eating clean” or following rigid diet rules than our title might suggest. Instead, we are busy running businesses, advancing public policy, and working to keep consumers safe. Read along as I recap some of the highlights and key takeaways from the Colorado Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics Annual Conference.
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From Checklists to Practice: Reframing Behavior Change in Clinical Care
I recently read a quote from James Clear that felt timely. In summary, he writes that many meaningful parts of life cannot be finished. Work, exercise, parenting, marriage. The goal is not to be done, but to settle into a daily lifestyle you can sustain and make steady progress within. It made me reflect on how often our patients approach health with a finite mindset. They want the checklist. The meal plan. The workout. The medication adjustment. Something to complete so they can feel done. But health is not a project with an endpoint. There will always be another meal,…
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Three Takeaways from the Colorado Food as Medicine Summit
Now in its third year, the Colorado Food Is Medicine Summit, hosted by Project Angel Heart and Kaiser Permanente, is a one-day event that brings together leaders, practitioners, and advocates to explore innovative programs, share research, and build sustainable solutions that place nutrition at the center of care. For me, it was a valuable opportunity to learn from experts in the field and to reconnect with clinicians, community health advocates, and organizations engaged in similar work, including many familiar faces. After a full day of conversation, here are three key takeaways that stood out to me and highlight how this…
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The State of Wellness: Glucose Tracking Is Having a Moment
If you’re not already using continuous glucose monitoring (CGM) in your practice, it’s time to start. Catch up or risk getting left behind, because glucose tracking for metabolic health is having a moment. From diabetes prevention to metabolic optimization and athletic performance, CGM is everywhere. And it’s easier than ever to get started. With just a few clicks, direct-to-consumer CGMs like Abbott’s Lingo and Dexcom’s Stelo can be delivered straight to your doorstep, sometimes in less than 24 hours. I know, because I’ve tried them myself! Earlier this year, Abbott released a white paper on the state of wellness, exploring…
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The Weight of the Nation: Insights from the Global Health Data Exchange
A recent article published in The Lancet highlights the concerning status of overweight and obesity in the United States, providing a stark look at the trajectory of this public health crisis. Not only are the numbers projected to rise, but the data also underscores a troubling reality: efforts to combat overweight and obesity over the past 30 years have been largely ineffective. I’m no public health expert, but this clearly calls for a critical reassessment of current strategies and the adoption of a more comprehensive approach. Could this study be the wake-up call we need? Study Overview and Data Analysis…
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A Closer Dive into the “Food is Medicine” Debate
What we eat has profound effects on our health and well-being. Research shows that dietary habits can influence the risk of developing various diseases; while some foods may contribute to chronic health conditions, others offer therapeutic and protective benefits. This has led many to advocate for the concept of “Food is Medicine,” emphasizing nutrition’s potential to prevent and manage disease. But what about when conventional medicine is necessary? Are we asking patients to choose between food and pharmacology? Let’s take a closer look at the “Food is Medicine” debate to explore how nutrition and traditional medicine can complement each other…
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Three Diabetes-Friendly Lunches for the Office
Packing a lunch for the office can feel time-consuming and daunting, especially when you have a million other things to do in the morning. Try these recipes for a healthy and filling midday meal in the office. #1. Wraps and Sandwiches a diabetes-friendly lunch, it’s essential to focus on meals that help maintain stable blood sugar levels. Wraps and sandwiches can be excellent choices if prepared with the right ingredients. Focus on whole grain breads that a high in fiber, lower fat condiments, and amble veggies and protein-based filler! Classic Turkey Opt for a hearty whole wheat bread with this…
