I don't think there's a business out there right now that has not been affected by the skyrocketing costs of health care. Companies everywhere in every industry have made all kinds of plan changes and cutbacks to try and offset the increases.

A major reason that health care costs are going up is because, according to the Centers for Disease Control & Prevention (CDC), more than 65 percent of U.S. adults are either overweight (a body mass index of 25-29.9) or obese (body mass index more than 30). The CDC attributes billions and billions of dollars spent every year to both overweight and obesity medical expenses.

Aside from the work I do on a full-time basis for USGlass, I have also spent the past 13 years working in the fitness industry. That's why I was so impressed with a story we ran on USGNN earlier this week about the efforts of Coastal Glass Distributors in Charleston, S.C. http://www.charleston.net/news/2007/jun/11/longtime_fitness_expert_keeps_wellness_on_worker/

The company recently began a wellness program that, as company president Jack Hoey says, was not to save on health care spending, but to help people feel better. Employees now have an on-site wellness center and a wellness coordinator on staff available to talk about the importance of proper nutrition and regular exercise.

I know that Coastal Glass Distributors is not the only industry company with an on-site wellness program; I know many others out there have similar programs, just as there are those without. I would love to hear what some other glass companies are doing to promote wellness, so please email me and let me know.

As you think about the weekend, and what you will be doing, think about this: The CDC has set a national objective to reduce the prevalence of obesity by 15 percent by 2010; the country's not there yet and 2010 is not that far off. Now, think about this--only 24 percent of U.S. adults engage in vigorous leisure time physical activity more than three times a week. Doing so can add not only years to your life, but it can also help prevent diabetes, some cancers and heart disease.

There are 1,440 minutes in every day. Is devoting 30 of those minutes to exercise really all that much?