CHICAGO COPS WON'T QUIT DONUTS (MNShow 09)

[jonasnjennlove]

Ohh... I missed this one.. would have loved a shot to win that gift card.. haha anywho, this episode is actually one of my favs so far! Keep it up!

[MamaNaturalBlog]

@jonasnjennlove XOXO.

[Tanusha123]

I think the idea is great!! If J and J, had so much success, why not to try it in other areas!!

[TheCBL2009]

I think the Chicago idea is a good idea in theory. But I don't think it's the best idea. People should have the choice to eat unhealthy and live sedentary lifestyles. Everyone makes choices and should make an effort to try to live and eat healthy.

[GonnaBAMom1Day]

I think that the Chicago thing is a great idea and its sad to see that the Police people wont contribute when they admitted to health problems, its not protecting, i think its hurting and hindering, that could be a great opportunity to help those gentlemen (and ladies become healthier).

[tigerlilly699]

I think it's the individuals responsibility to take care of their own health! When the goverment hires police officers that are in this kind of shape, instead of "forcing" this on them which they have no buiness doing, they should higher their "standards" upon hire!

[surprizebaby]

I think it's a great idea, everyone should be more concerned about healthy living and this is a great way to get some help with out having to pay for it. Society has become to complacent with being over weight and un healthy. I am not saying everyone should be a size 6 just that they should be getting out there and getting exercise and eating in moderation. With knowledge comes power, and with the knowledge on how to support a healthy life style comes the power to change.

[katulka2]

People are always complaining about others not taking personal responsibility and costing taxpayers money -- this is exactly the way to remedy that. Public employees participating in a wellness program saves taxpayers money and is in the interest of public health. Think of how many kids look up to cops - they should be role models of health as much as they can!

I was in a wellness program as a public employee in Alaska & loved it. You can pay me for my healthy habits anytime! :)

[MamaExpecting]

I think the Chicago program is an okay idea as long as it's executed fairly. Cops are role models in the community and should set a good example for people to follow. On the contrary, the program should be made so that the cops would participate willingly and not forcefully.

[BeachPeach822]

My husband's old company had what sounds to be a similar wellness program. If all healthcare enrollees (employees and their families) did not participate, they would experience a rate hike. So my husband and I had to fill out lengthy surveys covering everything from diet to mental health. Having worked a stint in HR where I looked into wellness programs I know that HR can access this info and put names on it and HIPAA doesn't apply. Healthy is a good thing, but majorly intrusive is NOT!

[LostGingerAle]

So Mike Shields sees the members of the police union as over weight, diabetic, highly stressed out people with high blood pressure & that's the way they are supposed to be? I don't get his logic. The city is offering a program to help them become healthier police officers! Who, in their right mind, wouldn't want to be healthier? They are already paying higher premiums, I'm sure, due to their risk factors. This seems like a no brainer, but people always resist change :( Love your show!

[raini327]

i think the cops should have to be in better shape than most for safety reasons so yea Chicago program is a great idea :)

[RavenMidnight911]

Become healthier = Saving Money.

Doesn't hurt too try.

If your looking for more healthy options off eating - Then do couponing.

I've gotten quite a few coupons for produce, and I go for a walk in the morning and then at night. Then the next day I might do a Richard Simmon's Tape. Lol.

[RavenMidnight911]

3:18

Haha Griffin had a look like "Woah Dad I wanted that spoon."

Lol.

[lelswick90]

I think the Chicago program is a step in the right direction, It rewards people with good health behaviors while "punishing" people for unhealthy behaviors...there are something you can't help but mostly obesity is something you can prevent along with smoking and other unhealthy risk factors and I believe that this is a good start to getting our country back on the right track!

[clnishida]

I believe their heart is in the right place. I think people should take a more active role in their health. But, unfortunately, this does pave the wave for more rate increases and imposing other regulations on our personal lives. In a perfect world, people would not need an incentive to be motivated.

[CooKieChiKy]

I think its a good idea. U become healthier & save $ while you're at it! Can't hurt to trY!! =)

[aquarianotes]

We can use all the help we can get to get this country into better shape! You crack me up girl. :)

[CreatingFamilyCode]

I think it could be a really good thing. I think a lot of people don't have the money for those kinds of resources so handing them to the public (creating jobs in the health care field, not necessarily in a hospital no less!!) is incentive for the whole city to take care of themselves and their children. It's not really taking away their freedom as they do have a way to opt out and you end up paying more medical bills the worse off you get health and weight wise.

[gracie2151]

Its looks like a nice idea, but I'm all about freedom. We shouldnt be told what to do bc someone higher up thinks its right...this is becoming less "America" and more "1984" dictatorship.... LOOOOve the show!

[fattiecane]

I don't think it is a bad plan. You save $ and get healthy! I'm wondering if they have to pay the coaches or gym fees though...that seems unfair since they would have to pay less by not having a gym membership that not everyone can afford. I also have always thought cops should be held to a high physical demand!(like firemen) I don't feel safe with out of shape cops.

[mandyeveritt]

I totally think it's just promoting health and holding people accountable. If they wont do it for themselves, maybe they will do it so save some money? Besides, who want's an out of shape and unhealthy cop protecting them? They should always be in good shape considering their jobs are quit physical and demanding.

[shawnkimadopting]

I think the plan isn't a bad one - it allows the individual subscriber to make a choice and then requires them to follow through. Either pay more in a premium, or commit to take care of yourself. The only problem could be for those who work different shifts. My father was a police officer, and I know it would have been difficult for him to be able to visit the gym regularly because he worked during the day, or had to sleep during the day because he worked the midnight shift.

[happytreebabe]

You're too funny :D

[betosrose]

My job did almost the same thing as the Chicago program. I work at MacNeal hospital and last year they started a program for smokers. Either they take steps to quit or they pay $50 a paycheck to continue to smoke. People hated it at first, but once completing the program they were glad MacNeal hospital did it. 3 out of the 5 smokers in my department quit! And once they did, MacNeal refunded ALL of the money that was taken out of their paychecks while they were in the program. I think it's great.

[jollyjess6]

I love this week's episode. So funny! I'm always entertained and left wanting more :)

I think the program makes sense however I would most likely be very upset if I was apart of that group. I love to drink soda{my only vice} and I think I should get to decide what I intake and how I exercise or lack there of. I feel like this program forces you to participate in a sense. It will be interesting to see the results as time progresses.

[Ka0tic018]

I love the Wellness Program idea! Everyone has the right to choose if they want to be a part of it or not. No one is being forced to become healthy human beings. I honestly would want to join and get the support and positive reinforcement to get on the healthy train.

[monymony2626]

Even if there were coaches people would cheat. It is important to keep people informed, but it's really up to the person to change.

[DestineeJustina]

I think more wellness programs are needed. The health care in our country is focused on treating problems rather than preventing them. People need more guidance when it comes to being healthy. That being said, you can't help people if they are not willing to help themselves.

[hartrose33]

Over kill on the heath care. I never like SB mush my little one loved Blues Clues. I used to think that they had a subliminal message going on in the back ground, buy the way my child would watch the show. She just stood there gazing at it, like she was a deer in the headlights. It might of had something to do with Steve because after he "went to college" she did not like to watch it after that.

[Fiestafreak1978]

Socialism at its best here! In America we "should" have the right to live how we want to and not be forced into being what big brother wants/thinks what's best for us. As for the unhealthy police officers, working weird hours should not be an excuse to eat junk and be overweight. If its a job requirement that's one thing, if not, hey we live in America don't we?

[MommaBeiler]

hey there... it seems like everyone is feeling the crunch of higher health care costs right now... why not add some incentive to stay healthy plus pay less money. To me it is a win win situation.

[caddysw]

I don't see why it hasn't been expected that our police officers are in better shape. I think this change is great and other companies should do it too so American citizens can be known for not being so obese. As an infant toddler teacher we are required to do a lot of movement and if we are unable to do those things because of our health we wouldn't be hired, so why is it different for the people that are supposed to be protecting us?

[geoffreyes]

and I liked the video!

[geoffreyes]

I'm suscribed to the show!

[geoffreyes]

I think the governors idea is great! it definitely gets people to take more accountability for their actions.

[MamaNaturalBlog]

@jennasmommy0718 "A weird work schedule is no excuse for unhealthy living!" Amen! Yes, it might take more work, but everyone's health is worth it!

[nadinegms]

I think it's a good idea, it's always good to have an extra nudge to stay healthy but there would probably need to be a few exceptions to the rules. Thank you for all the great quality videos!

[love2akiko]

People aren't looking after themselves properly - I say a premium on their insurance is a good enough incentive to look into their unhealthy habits :)

Love the show!

[sweetpee27lp4]

I agree on this move. It is about time people start to get healthy. I am doing as much as I can to not give into my nursing cravings. I feel more hungry now then I did while pregnant. Not good for my waist line.

[amygirl1983]

I agree on this move for healthier employees. Why NOT encourage people to be at their best? My husband works for a very small locally owned company and the insurance quotes we get are higher because of just a few very unhealthy employees who rack up a TON of medical bills every year. It's so expensive that only my husband and son are insured and I am uninsured. Not fair!

[lolomcgeel]

I agree with lizseibert2436, if cops don't get in shape how are they even supposed to PROTECT us? They don't have to eat fast food, they can pack healthy meals and keep them in lunch boxes. I think it's great that the mayor of Chicago cares enough about the people to get them active and healthy!

[flo538]

I have a hard time deciding if I support this initiative. Coming from a country with universal healthcare, I think it sounds great for public employees to get this opportunity. However, I'm afraid it would hurt the people with preexisting conditions chances of getting the health insurance that they need.

[lizseibert2436]

I think its a great idea to have a wellness program COPS INCLUDED. How are the cops supposed to outrun/catch someone if they have an extra 250 pounds hammering on those joints?? Even I, a stay at home mom, could get away from some of the shown policemen/women. I think its wonderful they are being proactive about this issue. Also, I find that Im more protective of my kids to prevent falls/injuries...that I am realizing I may too be hindering their play outside a bit :/ another thing to work on ha

[youngliterati]

Also, don't most police departments require periodic physicals? Are their standards just really lax? With that in mind, the plan seems like a great way to avoid paying more money AND fulfill a requirement that is already supposedly there.

[youngliterati]

Police officers, above most other public workers, should e elf accountable for their health. Their job performance is largely based on their physical fitness. Plus, we train our children to look up to cops as role models.

[Shannindhall]

{I'm sorry I have to add one more thing..lol}Lets all take note of Mr.Ben Franklin's quote, "An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure"..{sound the Hallelujahs} music now}

[Shannindhall]

Now, about the protectors of Chicago's public..yes most definitly its an attempt to avoid being accountable for their actions..and or diet. These men/woman need to be in "reasonable" health and actual role models for our children..Chicago's children. Rather than them looking at it as "someone watching over my shoulders" they should view it as "someone cares enough to give us the umph to make a change".. WE LOVE YOU CHICOGO POLICE OFFICE WE WANT YOU TO LIVE HAPPY HEALTHY AND FULFILLED LIVES!

[Shannindhall]

Once again..another awesome episode. Now, I have to comment on the SB issue .. this lil'strange creation is a very sore subject in our house. I can not stand this cartoon, but our son loves them (although hes slowly growing out of it..thank goodness). Its just a huge publicity stunt to get our kids addicted to yet another object of distraction so we can dwindle our funds down the drain. I swear the show has subliminal messages..lol.

[MamaNaturalBlog]

@Shannindhall Oh my gosh, I never understood the Sponge Bob thing! I'm hoping he will be out of fashion by the time Griff gets to watch T.V. LOL!

[GrowingAlways]

"medium healthy free"...I love it! This show had me giggling throughout! I believe the same principle that applies to kids needing a little freedom to do their best may apply to adults too- in the case of the policemen in Chicago...enforcing more rules isn't necessarily the best way to help people. It seems like there might be some kind of financial drive rather than just concern for the people involved.

[MamaNaturalBlog]

@GrowingAlways Glad you like my jokes :). My husband doesn't always get my sense of humor... LOL! XO.

[swiftfalc0n]

The Chicago program makes sense to me, it's an incentive to stay healthy. I'm guessing the premium hike was coming anyway so this is giving people a way to combat the higher cost of health care. If you don't like it, pay the higher premium so you can keep an unhealthy lifestyle. Nothing like a monthly kick in the wallet to get you off the couch... But like anything this could end in disaster. I do hope they find a way to run the program fairly.

[MamaNaturalBlog]

@swiftfalc0n I hope they find a way to run it well too. And, I think you are spot on that another hike was in the cards any ways... this is just a creative way to spread the costs.

[auntmel77]

I think it is ridiculous that a person would essentially be 'forced' into this wellness program. Let's face it, in this economy, who has an extra $50 to pay for an insurance hike? Whether you choose to live a healthier lifestyle should be your business and not the government's. Instead of penalizing people, why don't they offer incentives for living a healthier lifestyle? My brother's insurance plan offers a $1500 wellness fund which he can use for anything related to living a healthier life.

[MamaNaturalBlog]

@auntmel77 I can see your points and incentives are always good. I think like every goverment body, the city is strapped for cash and this is a way to cut down costs. Turns out only 8% of the city employees are driving up the health care costs so this holds them "accountable."

[answeracer]

love the videos, keep it up:D

[MamaNaturalBlog]

@answeracer THANKS so much! XOXO.

[gayathrig81]

I love ur show. I just started watching it recently. I think the Chicago program has some real potential. Its probably political, but if it helps the public, its all good. i'm sure there will be lots of opposition, but its for the public's health. we really have to do something abt obesity in this country

[MamaNaturalBlog]

@gayathrig81 Thanks so much for being here and watching :). XO. And, yes, I agree that things have to change. We can't go on blaming this or blaming that. We all need to do our part.

[XxbabyhopesxX]

I think that the police department should follow the lead of everyone else, take charge and try to get their staff "police officers" healthier. My husband is a cop and he stays in shape because he knows how dangerous the job is and that by not being healthy and overweight he would be putting his safety as well as others at risk for not being able to perform to his full potential. So I think that Police Chief is full of it and should take a look around and try and make the changes!

[MamaNaturalBlog]

@XxbabyhopesxX Glad your husband is on the force! He's a great example.

[fluffywanderings]

I think the Chocago Wellness Program has the potential of being a great program... however, which health program are they going to use? I don't necessarily believe that the government prescribed health program is the healthiest way to be, so that could be an issue. But overall, I think it is a step in the right direction, as long as they are willing to tweak it when something does not work. I have always thought that we need to have health care covered and not just SICK care!

[MamaNaturalBlog]

@fluffywanderings Like how you pointed out it's HEALTH care not sick care. Yes, it sounds like it's more "holistic" with focus on exercise, diet, etc. but will be curious to see how it unfolds. I do think if it doesn't save money in health care costs, they will shut it down quick.

[dreamflight6000]

I love LOVE your videos! I look forward to them and enjoy them! You are one of my all time favs! As soon as I get my life in order I will be letting my subs know about you and send them your way!!

[MamaNaturalBlog]

@dreamflight6000 Oh my gosh, Amy. THANK YOU! That means so much from you. XOXOXO!

[LynBecky]

I agree that FSA accounts cover things like wellness stuff if they want folks to be well. Instead, they cover sick care. I think that as long as it ISN'T as a measure to exclude coverage of folks with conditions it is a great thing, but if it does in turn deny or limit or increase costs to those with conditions, it is risky. Conversely, for those of us with good health and good health habits, the current system almost penalizes us because there aren't incentives for not being a larger burden.

[MamaNaturalBlog]

@LynBecky "the current system almost penalizes us because there aren't incentives for not being a larger burden." Amen, sistah!

[Nomesay1]

I think the new program means well but im no sure its the best way to go about it.

[Kristamariecurry]

Specifically in my field (education), I think that it would be effective to structure a plan for health and wellness, especially strategies for stress management and mental health, as working with children can be a very rewarding career, but has high levels of burn-out, extreme stress, which can effect sleep, nutrition and overall health. As for exercising, I think it should be encouraged and even possibly reinforced with incentives. But with everything, it could be good and bad.......

[MamaNaturalBlog]

@Kristamariecurry Yes, maybe teachers should get recesses too! Go outside and jump around or scream... and VENT! :).

[fakecrab]

it's a good idea but needs to be done fairly. if i got coaching to help me be healthier.. score! PLUS, it's optional, right? so if you dont want to try to be healthier, cough up the dough. the health insurance co will most likely have to pay out more for your bill because you're not healthy - you should have to pay in more for coverage.

on the other hand - am i going to be penalized because i didn't drop those 5lbs prescribed? what do i have to do to PROVE that i'm being healthier?

[MamaNaturalBlog]

@fakecrab Yeah, curious what the healthy "markers" would be. I do think that healthy weight ranges have become more liberal through the years so don't think most people would have a problem if they were using those as guides. They now account for small, medium and large framed people because not everyone's structure is the same.

[joannerenee]

I think it's a great idea! It's like giving people that push to better themselves and their health! It's not always easy for people to stay healthy and get on track. I bet when it happens they will be happy at the end results ;)

btw, LOVE the show!! and you look amazing in this video! love the hair!! :)

[MamaNaturalBlog]

@joannerenee Aw, thanks hon! I agree... and I think the "group" mentality would really work well and they could motivate each other.

[pinkdahlia4]

I think the chicago wellness program seems like a good idea. I find it odd that the spokesperson for the cops union is against the program and working different shifts is not excuse. These are the people that will benefit from a health wellness program.

[MamaNaturalBlog]

@pinkdahlia4 Amen!

[phatNaturals]

I think it is politician hypocrisy. I am unable to use my HSA card for vitamins, holistic medicines, workout equipment, or a gym membership if I so choose (this law is federal). If they want to help people live healthier lifestyles then access to the money on a HSA account for healthy living would be a better start the being BIG BROTHER.

[MamaNaturalBlog]

@phatNaturals GREAT point about the HSA. It *is* twisted that preventative items aren't accounted for but drugs, x-rays, labs are.

[TheAppieShow]

I don't think it is okay for the public arena to mandate this, but I completely believe that more companies and gov't agencies should structure their benefits plans like Google, J&J, Zappos, USAA, etc. If your company is a great place to work...and you have programs to support healthy living, it is natural that higher productivity, morale and health will follow.

[TheAppieShow]

When we were on a little trip to England this past spring/summer, we took a quick trip to London. They have the most fantastic park areas - literally little gym areas. They have elliptical, stationary bikes, marry-go-rounds, a treadmill and some regular toy areas...ALL kid-propelled. Giant "toy" workout equipment. And, the cab driver we talked to said the kids love them, and he always sees the areas busy. Why don't we have THESE!

[MamaNaturalBlog]

@TheAppieShow Interesting... never heard of these! Thanks for sharing.

[TeamVeen]

Cops should be required to be healthy since their job can be physical and the public rely on them for safety. Also, if the police force is obviously unhealthy, it makes them look lazy, which makes the public think less of them. Basically, since the public pays for them to do their jobs, it should be up to the tax payers as to what requirements they want their police force to follow.

[MBShrewsbury]

ADDING ANOTHER: Alot of insurance companies will give the Company you work at a discounted rate if you have a work out room available for staff to use.

[MBShrewsbury]

I think the idea is GREAT! (As long as they allow you to do this wellness checkup etc at and during work hours) I also find it disturbing that cops, people that need to keep our neighborhoods , street and daily life safe are against this. I think it should be a requirement of them to be "healthy". If you are extremely over weight how are you going to do your job to its fullest. Its like have an obese PE teacher.( I had one..lol)

[MamaNaturalBlog]

@MBShrewsbury I agree. There are some jobs where physical fitness needs to be part of the criteria and cops would be one IMHO. Good point that it should be on work time.

[Katysek]

I guess it depends on the program they will be put on. If it is extreme I don't think it is a plausible solution, but if they are gradually teaching healthy habits and are holding people accountable. I don't see it as a bad thing.

Although one could argue where will the line be drawn, who decides who is healthy and who isn't. Does every person have to be enrolled and working on something, what if you are person in good health.

[kaishness]

I love the Chicago initiative! It's a win-win scenario - better health and lower healthcare costs. The police union opting out of it seems counter intuitive to me - they, if any group need to be as physically fit as possible, right?? Oh well, I'm glad my employer is pro-wellness - I just got $50 for participating in one of their programs - sweeet:)

[MamaNaturalBlog]

@kaishness NICE! That's a great incentive. Yeah, it is kinda strange that cops aren't onboard with this. Not only given their type of work but I also think that they could really rally behind the fitness stuff and make it fun. They definitely have more of a "team" spirit naturally in their line of work and no one can motivate us like our peers.

[estanysflame]

I think insurance and healthcare is pricey enough already. A better idea would be to cut $50 off for those who already pay for exercise()

[NaturallyThriftyMom]

I'm really loving your show! It's like the news that I actually want to watch :)

[MamaNaturalBlog]

@NaturallyThriftyMom Aw, thanks so much! That makes me really happy :). XOXO.

[jessinjamie2006]

I think it's a wonderful thing! If people are not willing to fight for their health, it's good to see that someone is willing to fight it for them!

[tnrkustoms]

Medium healthy free... hahaha!. :) I'll try not to hover.

I like the idea. The program will probably show people that it doesn't take much to make a huge life change.

[MamaNaturalBlog]

@tnrkustoms I try not to hover too :). Today, Griffin climbed up his highchair! WOW, that was a shocker. I looked away for a few minutes and BAM.

[tnrkustoms]

@MamaNaturalBlog Eek! Did he fall?

[OffbeatMama]

I think they should absolutely do this! Those out of shape police officers are supposed to be the ones protecting us. How are they supposed to do that when they can't take two steps without getting winded or worse what if their trying to save someone and they get a heart attack! A little dramatic but still!!

[MamaNaturalBlog]

@OffbeatMama LOL! You have a point there :0.

[LYONEN5978]

It's about time, obese people drive up the cost of health care for everyone.