To The Editor:

Working at the Guilderland Chamber of Commerce, my job is to assist with all aspects of membership.  Normally, this would include helping our members build their businesses and help to make them successful — from ribbon-cuttings and networking events, to answering questions about town issues.

Well, what happens when members start to share how stressed they are?

Now, more than ever, people are stressed out, overwhelmed and exhausted.  Working longer hours with heavier workloads yet trying to maintain a life outside of work is really taking its toll.

I wanted to come up with a way to help our members learn how to manage their stress.  I’m not a doctor, and I’m not even going to pretend that my lifestyle is the healthiest.  So I did a lot of research and formed a Committee of Health and Wellness Professionals to help guide me.

Here’s what I have learned:  Excess stress is the largest factor in the loss of productivity, absenteeism, accidents, obesity, smoking, high blood pressure, and depression.  This means more visits to the doctor, which could cause a dramatic rise in health care costs.  However, most of these conditions can be prevented.

By acknowledging the benefits of a healthier workplace, the Guilderland Chamber of Commerce is committed to providing our members with wellness materials, educational resources, and programs.  We hope that employers will use these programs and resources to improve productivity, increase morale, decrease absenteeism, and potentially reduce health-care costs.

Our Chamber Wellness Series began in May 2015, with a presentation from Field Goods, and has continued and will continue with a variety of programs that employers and their employees can use. 

If you would like to learn more about our Chamber Wellness Series, you can contact the Guilderland Chamber of Commerce!

Linda Fahd

Membership Associate

Guilderland Chamber of Commerce