At a time when most people are either rushing around with a holiday to-do list, or searching online to find the best deals, I was given the most unexpected gift. This gift did not come in a wrapped box, nor did it come from someone who knows me well. As the gift was revealed to me, I stood rooted in place, and speechless. There was a lump in my throat as I realized, “What I take for granted, has changed someone’s life for the better.”
But I’m getting ahead of the story here; allow me to share from the beginning. I am a health educator for South Bay Pain & Wellness and San Pedro Pain & Wellness. Back in early September, Dr. Misa Zaker asked me to offer corporations in the Torrance and San Pedro areas a free health program. He felt implementing a wellness challenge at local corporations would help HR Directors with an on-going issue – decreasing employee health risks. Not knowing the ultimate effect we would have on employee morale and individual results, we designed a program to educate, inspire, and motivate.
Teledyne Relays in Hawthorne quickly became one of my favorite stops for Lunch & Learns and weekly weigh-ins. This friendly group of hard-working employees was surprised to discover the importance of support from co-workers, family, friends, and health professionals. When choosing to live a healthier lifestyle, little changes make a big difference. At the awards ceremony to announce the winners of the 6-week challenge, the Teledyne Teams were surprised to learn the 35 people who participated lost a total of over 100 pounds!
This takes us to the moment when I was given the amazing gift. During the challenge, I taught the participants about water intake, burning calories, meal modification, necessary sleep, the importance of therapeutic massage, and how breathing helps us control stress in our body. A female employee approached me to tell me her doctor wanted to know what she had recently changed, because her high blood pressure had improved greatly. It was because of a simple breathing exercise I had taught her!
Other employees also had big health wins… less knee pain, less back soreness, less neck pain, more restful sleep, and being able to keep up with their spouse during an after-dinner walk.
The gift I received was the improved health of the individuals I set out to educate. I know I gave them all a priceless holiday gift, but what they gave me was the reminder of how we can all positively affect someone’s life with our knowledge and experience. Stay healthy this holiday season!
To help heal your aches and pains this holiday season with a massage, chiropractic treatment or other therapy, please contact us here.
