When it comes to dealing with the health care crisis in the U.S., Las Vegas casinos are taking a positive and proactive approach to meet the problem head on by developing programs to help their team members shape up.

And while these efforts pay dividends for the operators in reducing their health costs, it also is a great benefit to the workers. They’re finding that getting in shape gives them more energy and makes them happier and more productive during the day.

For Darrin Kaplan, the Total Life Center at the Las Vegas Hilton helped him do more than just drop 44 pounds. It completely changed his life. By changing his eating habits and sticking to a workout program, he’s seeing a number of benefits.

“I used to sleep eight or nine hours a day and still I was tired,” Kaplan said. “Now, I can sleep for five hours and I’m ready to go. I have more energy than I’ve ever had.”

He’s had to take his suits in for alterations twice as his waistline shrunk, and proudly proclaims, “This is the first time that my chest sticks out further than my stomach.”

And it’s not just a personal thing, either. By seeing and feeling the advantages of a healthy, active lifestyle, Kaplan has been inspired to get his wife and children involved, too.

Sarah Ringer, the Worksite Wellness Coordinator and Total Life Center Health Educator at the Las Vegas Hilton, said that is one of the best things about health programs.

“The best things I’ve heard from employees is that it’s not just them, but it becomes a family thing,” she said. “The family gets active together.”

The Total Life Center is part of the benefits package for workers at the Las Vegas Hilton. In addition to the weight loss challenge, the center holds other special events including flu shots, blood drives, health fairs and on-site massages. Ringer also provides information on 16 different health and wellness topics in both group and individual settings.

By Casino Connection Staff

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