Hospital exec: LI's workforce needs to shape up

Joseph F. Molloy, director of benefits at North Shore-Long Island Jewish Health System, did not hesitate a second when he was asked at a business meeting in Melville on Wednesday whether he thought Long Island business people and workers are in good physical shape.

"No," Molloy said. "Obesity is an epidemic" on the Island and in the nation. "Most people don't get their annual physicals. Most people are not taking care of themselves."

The health of employees is becoming more and more an issue for companies facing mounting health care costs. The issue is so important these days that the business group Action Long Island has established a health task force that met Wednesday to discuss plans for the organization's second-annual Long Island Wellness Challenge.

The competition requires Long Island companies to set up exercise and health and wellness programs for employees. Last year 22 companies participated. This year, said Action Long Island chairman Sheldon Sackstein, the goal is to get 50 companies involved.

Molloy, co-chairman of the health task force, bemoaned the couch-potato mentality of many companies and families on the Island. Families where both spouses need to hold down jobs - like many local households - and expanded hours at work are some of the reasons, Molloy said.

One meeting participant, Doreen Guma, a principal of Port Jefferson Station-based D. James Marketing Corp., which deals with health care issues, added some other reasons: "Stress and resistance to change," she said.

Preparations for the second-annual Wellness Challenge include some differences this year. Some smaller companies don't want to compete against large ones like Leviton Manufacturing in Melville, which boasts many health and wellness programs. So categories are being considered.

But the overall problem remains, said Molloy. "I can't say it's getting worse," Molloy said, "but it will take time before it gets better."