Health Promotion Program Evaluation Summary

PROGRAM: Healthy Weight Loss- Dr. Bens
DATE: April 13, 2006
LOCATION: South S1.455
Below are the averages obtained from surveys filled out by program participants.

How did you hear about this seminar? E-mail

What other types of programs / seminars would you be interested in having Corporate Health Services provide? Preparing fast healthy meals; exercise at your desk; continuation of this seminar; free eye checks; BP check; health fair; dealing with stress; dieticians to discuss meal planning; health services that tie with health insurance discounts

HILLSBOROUGH COUNTY WELLNESS PROGRAM EVALUATION SUMMARY

Program: “Developing a Personal Nutrition Program”
Facilitator: Healthy @ Work, Charles Bens
Program Date/Time : 8/19 ‘04/9:00am-12:30pm, County Center
Participants : 19 attended, 25 registered (76% participation rate)
*19 Evaluations was handed out, 19 returned=100% returned rate
The following were rated from a scale of 1(strongly disagree) to 5(strongly agree)

1. The material used in this class was relevant to my health needs or interests.

5 = 94.5% 4 = 5.5% 2. The additional handouts were informational.
5 = 94.5% 4 = 5.5% 3. The instructor was able to adequately answer my questions/concerns.
5 = 100% 4. The program met my needs. 5 =89.5% 4 = 10.5% 5. The program met my expectations. 5 = 94.5% 4 = 5.5% 6. What was the most useful part of the program?
• The facilitator's answering the class' questions easily and very informatively with no slow down in the progression of his agenda.
• Everything, very knowledgeable
• Nutrition information – how important to good health
• Body intake results from different foods
• Questions and answers
• How important vitamin intake is, also detox
• Everything was of interest
• How important food/vitamins/diet is in my life
• Handouts – visual clips
• Answered questions – materials/handouts
• Learning about alternatives
• I have learned so much regarding the types of foods my body has been ingesting and how it has made me function so poorly
• Answering questions dealing with specific areas of nutrition and demystifying old beliefs and habits
7. How could the program have been improved?
• More workshops!
• Nothing – great presentation – inspired me to continue my quest for good health and showed me how to change
• A list of meals that would help you lose weight and keep a program of exercise
• Supplement info
• More advertising
• More time for information
• Longer (3)
• My diet, lack of vitamins, grabbing the first thing to eat when I get home – not always the best choice need to eat more fruits – had no idea
8. How much influence did this workshop have on the lifestyle or behavior
changes you feel you need to make?
• Very much. The information is very useful and handy he gave to us. He also left his e-mail address so he could further help us.
• Will hope to make changes in eating and exercising
• Gave me a pathway to examine my questions
• Willingness to begin a healthy food regimen
• I'm going to study it further and get the books he recommended
• A lot because it brought out things I did not know
• Very much – plan to get more vitamins, to be tested by Dr.
• I will investigate my specific needs
• Very much – I am going to start today buying the better foods, eating healthier, start taking supplements that I currently don't take – and start exercising
• Very much - I had been keeping up with nutritional changes to my knowledge, but learned that much more about nutrition and especially their effect, causes/ reversal of diseases.
9. Please indicate any other topics that you have a need or interest in for future
wellness programs:
• You are doing an excellent job of planning a variety of classes meeting quite a few of our needs. Keep surprising us!
• Diabetes workshop (3)
• How to change an unhealthy attitude
• More health related information and books
• Excellent workshop! Anything workshop dealing with nutrition and health!
• Send via email a health tip everyday
• More topics like this – on how to cook healthy food
• These workshops are wonderful but I wonder if employers are being permitted to attend.
• Exercise
• I am going to contact Carol Roberts - I would like her to do a complete analysis of my body – and I would like to begin to start helping me get in the healthy eating with supplements. The best nutritional class I have ever attended. The instructor was exceptionally well – I learned so much. Thank you!

HILLSBOROUGH COUNTY WELLNESS PROGRAM EVALUATION SUMMARY

Program: “Developing a Personal Nutrition Program”
Facilitator: Healthy @ Work, Charles Bens
Program Date/Time: 8/20 ‘04/9:00am-12:30pmm, Water Dept(Brandon)
Participants: 14 attended, 24 registered (58.3% participation rate)
*14 Evaluations was handed out, 13 returned=92.9% returned rate
The following were rated from a scale of 1(strongly disagree) to 5(strongly agree)

1. The material used in this class was relevant to my health needs or interests.
5 = 84.6% 4 = 15.4%
2. The additional handouts were informational.
5 = 84.6% 4 = 15.4%
3. The instructor was able to adequately answer my questions/concerns.
5 = 100%
4. The program met my needs.
5 =84.6% 4 = 15.4%
5. The program met my expectations.
5 = 84.6% 4 = 15.4%
6. What was the most useful part of the program?
• Vitamins and supplements. I did not know about detoxifying body, but plan to real up on it
• Group discussions and excellent handouts
• All the info and resources offered (2)
• Information on supplements
• Clarification of print outs
• Program helped me to understand how the foods we eat daily interact and causes diseases we battle with daily
• Making me aware of my eating habits and how my food choices effect my health
• The wealth of information provided by speaker and articles provided to supplement workshop information
• Very good instructor – very knowledgeable
• Information about the new food pyramid
• Information about the metabolic test
7. How could the program have been improved?
• More time (4)
• Have books available for purchase that is discussed in class
• So much information in too little time – longer or 2 part course
• Offer it more often
• We should be able to see a holistic Dr. on our plan
8. How much influence did this workshop have on the lifestyle or behavior
changes you feel you need to make?
• I need to make drastic changes. I plan to make one change per month
• Highly effective, gave useful information for lifestyle changes
• Reinforced lifestyle changes I've been making
• I will closely monitor my food intake and increase my vitamin intake to prevent diseases
• More aware; understand how to be more selective in choosing foods
• Has spurred me to make lifestyle changes to lose weight and to increase my overall health
• This workshop was excellent but unsure about the reality of eating this way long term – could be expensive
• Good idea where I'm at health wise by doing the exercise (questions)
• Open my eyes to a better health in eating the proper foods/vitamin supplements.
9. Please indicate any other topics that you have a need or interest in for future
wellness programs:
• Exercise program work outs for specific body parts – toning
• Calories intake per day needed for weight loss, etc.
• Temp of the room was excellent. Excellent idea to offer the program outside the County Center for employees like myself. Parking downtown is difficult
• This is by far the best class I have ever attended. It was presented on a “Layman” terms, where we all could follow and understand the instructor. He was excellent. I went to hear Dr. Weil once, he was very good, but at times he lost me – I could follow this instructor throughout the presentation. He was not “stingy” with his knowledge – very happy to share his knowledge. Thank you.

Health and Wellness References
Doctors
• The Healthy Smoker program has been the missing piece of my wellness programs. My patients at the Longevity Institute Indiana find it to be realistic (detoxing before actually quitting first to help with the cravings) and simple to follow through with the program. I have been and M.D. for over 25 years and this program is the most realistic approach towards quitting smoking that I have found. Arthur J. Sumrall, M.D.

• Dear Dr. Bens: I am so glad that you introduced yourself to me and my husband Duk at the Natural Products Expo in Washington, D.C. The title of your book, The Healthy Smoker: How To Quit Smoking By Becoming Healthier First, shocked us at first, but after you explained the premise of the book it was clear you were onto something very significant. So much so that I asked you to sign one of your books for our producer who unfortunately still smokes. Every other cessation program has failed with him, but your gradual and completely natural approach may be just what the doctor ordered. Thanks for finding this unique and practical way to help smokers to quit and ex-smokers to become truly healthy. Jan McBarron, MD – cohost Duke and The Doctor – The #1 Health Talk Show in the nation.

• “This is a much needed, comprehensive book about how and why to quit smoking. If you thought you knew it all, had tried it all, but are looking for a way to make it happen (this time!), this is the book for you. It turns out that you need to prepare to quit smoking, and if you do, you have less trouble quitting! Dr. Bens has a wealth of information on every aspect of getting healthier, supporting your body's wish to be well, and the benefits of specific nutritional supplements. This is information that is specific to smoking, and has never been compiled in just this way before. Kudos, Dr. Bens, you've filled an important niche. I will definitely recommend this book to my patients who still smoke – that is if they admit it! Carol L. Roberts, M.D. Medical Director and Founder Wellness Works, Radio talk show host, WMNF and WHNZ.

• “The Healthy Smoker delivers a truly novel way to overcome one of the most common and powerful addictions today. Not only does Dr. Bens enlighten the smoker with many health opportunities, he also eloquently portrays the gradual downfall of a smoking habit. Combined, it offers every smoker a compelling reason to quit, as well as a logical and achievable cessation strategy. A must read to succeed.”
Bart Rademaker, M.D.

• “Dr. Bens' book has provided renewed hope for all smokers. This book is a seasoned approach to overcoming the smoking addiction based upon proven methods and techniques. Indeed, The Healthy Smoker is replete with vital information about good health, health habits, and a smoke-free future.
Benedict S. Maniscalco, M.D., P.A., (cardiologist)

• When Dr. Bens first introduced me to the concept of “The Healthy Smoker,” it initially seemed like an oxymoron. However, as I examined his research, I began to understand and appreciate the program and it's long-term benefits. Smokers who have failed other smoking cessation programs can now follow this simple step-by-step well-designed program and, by first becoming healthy, improve their chances for success.
Thanks to Dr. Bens' dedication and efforts, you, a loved one or a friend has an opportunity to eliminate a terrible addiction and improve overall health and well-being. This book will soon become the “Gold Standard” for anyone motivated to stop smoking by becoming “Healthier First.”
Stan Headley M.D., N.D.Health Administrators

• “The genius of The Healthy Smoker is that it is a motivational resource for the smoker AND the non-smoker alike. It's a clear, concise reference guide for those who are truly serious about good health. This is an incredible, must have, book that should be kept with all the other timeless references.”
Kathy H. Cramptom, MBA, Director, Convenient Care Centers, Central Dupage Hospital .

• “The definitive book to quit smoking, and yet this is more than just a book about how to quit smoking, it's a new way of looking at yourself. The wealth of information found in this book is normally found in ten different books, but The Healthy Smoker has it all. If you have a friend who smokes this is the perfect gift – it will show you really care. It's also a great book for employers to include in their wellness/prevention program. When you get towards the end and you read about the long-term benefits you'll wonder why you ever did smoke. This book is a must for everyone, even if you don't smoke.”
Robert Blinch-Edwards, Executive Director, Healthcare Sarasota, (PPO)

• “Destined to become a classic, the provocative perspective of this well-written book is engaging and inspiring. Charles Bens brilliantly describes his newly termed ‘healthy smoker,' giving comprehensive and intelligent advice for quitting and bringing new meaning to ‘better health naturally' for everyone, not just smokers. His refreshing book offers a concise, easy-to-succeed approach that supports one's desire to survive, in spite of less than perfect habits. The Healthy Smoker is a major breakthrough and it will not only improve the quality of your life, it may actually add many years which might have been lost.”
Robinray R. Rowland, CEO/Owner Time Out© On-Site Massage Services

Workshop Participants Ratings and Comments

Citigroup – Nutrition and Weight Loss Workshop
Hillsborough County Nutrition Workshop
Sarasota County Nutrition Workshop
Score 5 = Highest
5.0 Average
4.89 Average
4.56 Average
(This average of 4.81 means 92% of participants rated these workshops a 5.0)

• “This is by far the best class I have ever attended. It was presented in “layman's terms” where we could follow and understand the instructor. He was excellent. I went to hear Dr. Weil once, he was good, but at times he lost me. I could follow this instructor throughout the presentation. He was not stingy with his knowledge, very happy to share his knowledge. Thank you.”

• An e-mail from one employee revealed she lost so much weight that she took her name off the list for gastric by-pass surgery saving her employer $20,000 immediately. Her blood sugar returned to normal at 93 and her cholesterol dropped to 162. Much more money will be saved on reduced health care costs in the future.

• An e-mail from another employee stated that the diet and supplement changes made as a result of our workshop allowed him to reverse his diabetes to the amazement of his physician. He will save his employer $10,000 - $20,000 in future health care costs.
How much influence did this workshop have on the lifestyle or behavior changes you feel you need to make?

• Very much – I am going to start today buying the better foods, eating healthier, start taking supplements that I currently don't take – and start exercising.

• Very much – I had been keeping up with nutritional changes to my knowledge, but learned that much more about nutrition and especially their effect, causes/reversal of diseases.

• I need to make drastic changes. I plan to make one change per month.

• I will closely monitor my food intake and increase my vitamin intake to prevent diseases.

• Has spurred me to make lifestyle changes to lose weight and to increase my overall health.

• This workshop was excellent but unsure about the reality of eating this way long term – could be expensive.

• Opened my eyes to better health in eating the proper foods/vitamin supplements.

• Great presentation – inspired me to continue my quest for good health and showed me how to change.
What was the most useful part of the program?

• I have learned so much regarding the types of foods my body has been ingesting and how it has made me function so poorly.

• Answering questions dealing with specific areas of nutrition and demystifying old beliefs and habits.

• The wealth of information provided by the speaker and the articles provided to supplement workshop information.

• Very good instructor – very knowledgeable.

Purchasers of The Healthy Smoker book

A non-smoker's opinion
I have never smoked in my life, yet both of my parents were heavy smokers and I suspect my son to be a closet smoker. This is whom I bought the book for originally. After leafing through a few pages, however, I could not put it down. Smoker or non-smoker, this book is a wonderful guide towards a healthy lifestyle. The author offers valuable information on good nutrition and supplements, and he does so in a humorous and non-preaching way. I finished the book in one evening and now use it regularly for a reference guide. I would highly recommend this book to anyone, and will get a second one for my son.
Barbara Kavanaugh, A reviewer

It changed my life
This book has changed my life. I only wish I would have felt like this 10 years ago. Follow Dr. Bens' advice, quit red meat and sugars. You will feel the results in days. I feel a renewed energy level and drive. Thanks Dr. Bens.
G.H. Suehring, Wholesale Greenhouse Owner

This book is a lifesaver!
Anyone who has dealt in the slightest degree in addictions must acknowledge nicotine as the toughest to conquer. Dr. Bens makes it easy by following simple and recommended guidelines. As someone who has puffed incessantly for over 35 years and wants to quit, cold turkey is hardly the means. This book and its respected author does not ask that of the reader. Instead, you can quit and become healthy in doses. Does it work? Try cutting down from well in excess of 60 cigarettes per day to less than ten. Do I owe Dr. Bens anything for his fine research and dynamic publication: YES….my life!
Walter E. Pfarr, A reviewer

A MUST READ!!!
If you smoke, you owe it to yourself and your loved ones to read this book and put into practice the program that Dr. Bens outlines. Even if you don't smoke, you will still benefit from reading this book. I found the book to be highly informative, easy to understand and chock-full of valuable information on nutrition and positive lifestyle choices. In today's world of astronomical medical costs, THE most important thing we can do for ourselves is take care of our health and Dr. Bens has great insight on how to help us do that.
Dusty Baum

Organization Development References Client Comments

“Your obvious expertise and impressive facilitation skills enabled the Business Center Transition Leaders to get off to a great start. I was particularly impressed, throughout the process, with your command of both the substance of strategic initiatives like this but also of the procedural steps that must be followed if the plans are to be workable and successful.” Jerry Gray, Planning Director – Sarasota County Government

“Mr. Bens brought expertise and experience to the implementation project and provided effective tools and techniques to assist the employees and management team to target and achieve goals for improved performance, customer relations and organizational morale. I can attribute much of this improvement to the efforts of Mr. Bens and his organization.”
Lane Longley, Manager – Wastewater Maintenance Division, City of St. Petersburg
“As a transition leader for the Development Services Business Center I would highly recommend Mr. Charles Bens for any restructuring or group exercise that requires an impartial yet highly knowledgeable facilitator. His knowledge and experience, along with the methods and processes he recommended, helped bring the team together and assured everyone a fair and impartial process.”
Paul Radauskas, Director – Development Service Business Center, Sarasota County Government

“As a joint effort with the Tallinn office of Canadian Urban Institute we managed to offer a day of expert training for the development and planning managers of local and county governments. ……Mr. Bens is able to explain very complicated issues in a very simple way. He is a magnificent lecturer/facilitator. It is no exaggeration to say that many of the listeners were just enraptured by him.”
Juri Lass, Director – Ministry of the Environment, Estonia

“On behalf of the Health and Human Services Business Center, I want to extend our thanks to you for the valuable training and assistance you have given us… The priority setting workshop… afforded staff the opportunity to review all programs using a comprehensive rating and ranking system…The facilitator training in December 1999 was extremely useful…The workshops you conducted to train five pilot work teams and design a model for developing strategic plans were particularly useful.”
William L. Little, Executive Director – Health and Human Services Business Center, Sarasota County Government

“Through the background research and planning, his extensive knowledge and experience in key areas such as community and organizational development and his ability to synthesize information as it transpires, Charles has been successful in continually building and improving upon situations as they arise…..in governments from around the world…..”
Tibor Frank, Director – International Programs Office, Canadian Urban Institute

“Council was most impressed with Mr. Bens' organizational skills, enthusiasm and general appreciation and knowledge of municipal planning……….County council members were most impressed with his facilitating capabilities.”
Brian McComb, Planning Director – Prince Edward County

“Charles is very adept at quickly assessing the needs and dynamics of a group and at adjusting his program accordingly.”
i.e.
• “Facilitation of a 2 day Strategic Planning Session on Business Development resulted in the establishment of business principles, a context for revenue generating activities and a strategy for implementing a new business – orientation in GSC.”
• “Facilitation of several Priority Setting sessions which dealt with critical issues such as budget reduction and reallocation, program rationalization, downsizing and other sensitive matters.”
• “The quality and depth of his preparation prior to an assignment is outstanding…”
• “His facilitation skills are highly developed…”
• “Charles has repeatedly demonstrated an ability to achieve success working with all levels of people in our organization.”
David Harry, Excellence Co-ordinator, Geological Survey of Canada

Workshop Participant Ratings and Comments (Score 5 = Highest)

International City/County Management Association 4.23
Sarasota County Performance Measurement Workshop 4.41
Performance Measurement Seminar - Holland 4.43

Participant Comments
• “Great presentation.”
• “He has a great energy level and enthusiasm for this topic which makes him very credible.”
• “Excellent discussion on processes and experiences with other municipalities.”
• “Dynamic presentation style.”
• “Neat presentation style – related well to all audience.”
• “Very good presentation. Better than previous ones that focused on details rather than processes.”
• “Excellent presenter – brings so much information and actual experience to the workshop.”
• “Good workshop and very informative.”
• “Worthwhile training. Manual will help with ongoing need to develop performance measures.”
• “Incredible amount of information. Leadership was tops.”
• “I can only hope that Mr. Bens will be with us through the entire process.”