Dear editor,
Recently,’Orion Township Supervisor Matt Gibb announced that township employees would be encouraged to join a local gym and as such there would be reimbursement for the monthly dues.? Some looked upon this as a misuse of township funds but I disagree.? Ours is a nation of overweight, out of shape people.?
The United States is one of the unhealthiest nations in the world.? We love our Big Macs, fried chicken, and of course, greasy french fries.? On the other hand,’there are scores of people who understand that a healthy diet augmented with exercise has positive results.
Regular exercise and a sensible diet allows people to lower blood pressure and cholesterol levels.? It also contributes to people being more energetic, productive and enjoying a healthy lifestyle.? People who exercise on a regular basis have fewer illnesses, fewer trips to the doctor’s office and as a result, fewer sick days with a resultant loss of work time.? Don’t we want our Township employees, whose salary we pay, to be healthy? ?’Don’t we want them to be in their workplace when we come in for some service or to make a payment?? And don’t the employees themselves want to lead a healthy lifestyle void of illness?? And shouldn’t we be concerned about healthcare costs for employees who disdain being healthy?? I sure think so.
So in my mind, ‘gym dues reimbursement is a small cost in maintaining a staff that epitomizes a healthy lifestyle.?
Now if we can just close the smoking gazebo that is located on the premises.? Why make it comfortable for people to take a break and inhale unhealthy levels of tar and nicotine. ?’Frankly, removing the gazebo might increase productivity, as staff would be discouraged from taking those pesky cigarette breaks.? After all, come May 1 the Michigan smoking ban takes effect with less places to light up.? Hooray.
And if I sound like an exercise nut who is concerned about leading a long and healthy life, so be it.? Please tell me what is wrong with wanting to be healthy? ? And if my stance on Township staff being encouraged to exercise irritates some people, deal with it. ?’I’m retired and done being politically correct.? So hats off to Gibb for encouraging his team to embark on a healthy regimen.?
Hope we can see a good portion of the staff enrolled in the upcoming Lake Orion Dragon Run which takes place on Sunday, May 16 at Civic Center Park at 8:30AM. ?
A walk or run in the event would signal their support and endorsement of the program.? And those of you who are ready for a life changing exercise should also’consider the Dragon Run. ‘It will give a chance to voice your support of my thoughts on this issue or just scoff at me. ‘Both are welcome. ‘See you there.
?-Bill Kalmar
Lake Orion