We eat first with our eyes...so why not protect them?

We certainly know, by now, that including fish in our diet is good for our hearts and waistlines, and current research is showing that women who regularly eat fish rich in omega-3 fatty acids are less likely to develop eye diseases like age-related macular degeneration. The Harvard Women's Health Study followed more than 39,000 women over a ten year period and reported that those who consumed 1 serving of fish per week were 42% less likely to develop age-related macular degeneration than those who ate less than a serving each month.

Omega-3 fatty acids are proven to have inflammatory effects, so eating fish like mackerel, salmon, sardines, bluefish and swordfish as part of a balanced diet may help with your eye health. Weekly consumption of fish is largely encouraged in the Mediterranean diet along with daily consumption of fruits, vegetables, whole grain cereals, and low-fat dairy products; weekly consumption of fish, poultry, tree nuts, and legumes; and high consumption of monounsaturated fatty acids, primarily from olives and olive oils. In addition to aiding in eye health, the Mediterranean diet also reduces the risk of metabolic syndrome - risk factors that boost the risk of heart disease, stroke and diabetes.

Try adding more fish into your weekly meals. In fact, try out this recipe for Roasted Salmon with Tomatoes and Olives and let me know what you think!

Employers across the country are starting to notice that the stress of personal finances can spill into the workplace in the same way as poor physical health according to a recent story on FoxBusiness.com (http://www.foxbusiness.com/personal-finance/2011/02/03/financial-literacy-shares-spotlight-health-wellness/). Despite the recovering economy, the Mercer Annual Workplace Survey and other polls are showing that as many as ¾ of Americans say that money causes them stress.

Financial stress can show up in the workplace in several ways including absenteeism and tardiness, much like the workplace problems associated with poor physical health. According to Mark McAvoy from the Society for Human Resource Management, stressed out employees spend an average of about 20 hours a month dealing with their financial situations. “This equals about 30% of our 40 hour work week and includes time to go to the bank or call the debt collector from the office,” said McAvoy.

To counter the bad effects of financial stress on a workforce, companies like Prudential are tackling the problem in the same proactive way that they handle physical health issues. During the financial collapse in 2009, Prudential developed a Personal Budget Coaching program which connects an employee with a personal financial coach to do an analysis and develop a budget. Mercer partners with a third-party vendor, Financial Engines Inc., to offer employees professional management and provides a do-it-yourself investment option.

Have you noticed financial stress affecting your employees? How have you reacted to it? Have you taken any proactive measures to help your employees be more attentive at work? Would love to read your feedback in comments below or on Twitter @DebraWein, #wellnessworkdays.