On Aug. 20, 2012, the Eleventh Circuit Court of Appeals ruled that an employer’s wellness program did not violate the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) prohibition on non-voluntary medical examinations and disability-related inquiries. The program required employees to complete a health risk assessment (HRA) and take a biometric screening, or pay a penalty. According to the court, the employer’s wellness program fell under the ADA’s safe harbor for bona fide benefit plans.

In this situation, Broward County offered a wellness program that required employees to complete an HRA questionnaire and take a biometric screening measuring cholesterol and glucose levels. The information from the screening helped the health insurer identify individuals with certain health conditions and provide them with an opportunity to participate in a disease management coaching program. Read More

When I first started dieting I looked at it as a fun adventure. Something that would solve my “body problem” and make my life better. I was young, about 12 or 13, and dieting made me feel more like a grown-up.

What I didn’t realize at the time, was that I was hopping aboard a train that never ended. Dieting never worked longterm for me. I would lose weight and when I stopped my diet the pounds started piling back on. The endless cycle left me feeling like a failure.

I longed for a solution. I would dream about getting to my goal weight and staying there forever. How could I do that?

If only I could figure out a way to get my “perfect body” and somehow press the pause button and stay there forever. This became my fantasy. Lose the weight/press pause/stay slim forever.

Once I hit the pause button I would have free rein to eat whatever I wanted and never gain weight. My body would remain at my “perfect” desired weight no matter what. The pause button would protect me from the massive amounts of cookies, brownies, mochas, and whatever else I consumed.

Does this fantasy sound good to you? To me this was the MAGIC PILL.

Just a few years ago my Dieting Fantasy sounded awesome. When I dive deeper I realize if my fantasy were true, I would have never learned to truly appreciate my body. I would have no clue how to listen to my body and feed myself well. I would have never figured out how to get over my sugar addiction.

When I was dieting, I really didn’t care about my health, I only cared about my weight. In my teens and 20s, I sought out the “easy” route. Slim Fast, Diet pills, laxatives, eating frozen “diet food”, and calorie counting. I had so little respect for my body. I just wanted to “fix it.”

By closing the door on my diet fantasy I have learned to truly befriend my body and treat myself with care. I have learned that real, healthy foods are fun to make and are delicious.

Some of my favorite lessons:

Releasing weight does not have to be a struggle. Being at a healthy weight is simple once you learn to listen to your body.

Food is meant to be enjoyed not something to feel guilty about. Slow down, breathe and sit at the table. Your meals will be so much more pleasurable and you will know when you have had enough.

Working out everyday is not necessary. Your body needs a break from time to time. Find exercise you enjoy instead of focusing on pummeling off the pounds.

Your body is sending you messages all the time. Your body will let you know when you should get offline and go to bed, if you need to cut back on the java, whether or not a certain food works for your body, and so much more.

Getting on the scale everyday is stressful and can keep you stuck and unhappy.

The one thing I knew all along has become more and more clear. 
Dieting SUCKS! I am so grateful to know I will never, ever do it again.

If you are sick and tired of dieting and feeling hopeless, I wanted to share that I have two spaces available for personal one-on-one coaching. I am passionate about empowering women to break free from the diet roller coaster and body hatred.

With love and support- Michelle

New temporary guidance has been released regarding the 90-day maximum waiting period mandated by the Affordable Care Act (ACA). The ACA stipulates that for plan years beginning on or after Jan. 1, 2014, group health plans and group health insurance issuers may not apply any waiting period that exceeds 90 days.

This temporary guidance, Notice 2012-59, was issued on Aug. 31, 2012, and will remain in effect at least through the end of 2014.

According to the guidance, a waiting period is the period of time that must pass before coverage for an employee or dependent who is otherwise eligible to enroll under the terms of your plan can become effective. Employees and dependents are eligible when they have met your plan’s eligibility conditions, as specified in your plan’s terms.

Any eligibility condition that is based solely on the lapse of time cannot be longer than 90 days. Read more