The Employer as Health Coach

A couple of years ago, Jennifer Gardiner and Pamela Matovich, who work in the Information Systems Division at the Minneapolis headquarters of General Mills, were at risk for serious medical problems. The women, both in their 30s and mothers of young children, were obese and had diabetes. Gardiner weighed over 200 lb, smoked heavily, and avoided physical activity. Matovich weighed 230 lb, took insulin several times a day, had had episodes of severe hypoglycemia, and could not lift her babies because of pain from herniated lumbar disks. Both wanted to feel better and to reduce their risk of future illness. . . .