From 4:30 to 6 p.m. everyday Joe Banyai has an appointment with a very familiar client.

Himself.

The hour and a half time slot is reserved for a daily trip to the gym because Banyai said he knows the importance of maintaining a healthy lifestyle, especially when working in the real estate business.

“ We have long days and need the endurance to deal with clients’ needs from 6 a.m. to 6 p.m.,” Banyai, CCIM, SIOR said. “It is important to pay attention to our bodies so I plan my health just like I plan my business decisions.”

According to the Michigan Department of Community Health, 62 percent of adults in Michigan are considered to be either overweight or obese. In the United States, Michigan is the third worst state for obesity rates and has been one of the ten heaviest states for the past 14 years.

“ Obesity impacts us on several levels,” said Dr. Kimberlydawn Wisdom, the Michigan Surgeon General. “It effects businesses and ultimately our economy. Physical inactivity, the major contributor to obesity, is costly.”

A 2002 study done by Dr. David Chenoweth showed unhealthy lifestyles cost Michigan companies $8.9 billion in medical costs and lost productivity, Wisdom said. If the trend continues, costs could reach over $12 billion by 2007.

“Obesity leads to loss of productivity and companies having to compensate for sick time,” said T.J. Bucholz, communications director for the Michigan Department of Community Health. “It is also a primary cost to insurers.”

In the real estate industry it is particularly important to stay healthy because REALTORS® are always on the move and work long hours, Banyai said.

“This business is not like a sprint, but more like a marathon,” Banyai said. “It is important to be in shape and be healthy in order to handle the long hours, high demands and the stress with this job. If you aren’t in good shape, you’ll end up with problems like heart disease, high blood pressure and diabetes.”

Banyai said his company, Signature Associates of Southfield Michigan, may even consider a person’s physical condition when hiring employees.

“We look at ex-athletes because if they were training, they had to learn how to budget their time to study as well as work out,” Banyai said. “They are good because they will have the endurance needed for this job as well as balance work and a healthy lifestyle.”
Terry Westbrook, CRS, ABR, GRI, e-PRO, Five Star Real Estate in Grand Rapids, also said living a healthy lifestyle is important and does whatever he can to fit physical activity into his day.

“We need that extra energy because we are always on the go,” Westbrook said. “The biggest thing is to have a structured program to follow. Schedule working out into the day like it is another appointment. To many times we worry about someone else and not ourselves.”

Westbrook said it is particularly difficult in the real estate business to create a work out schedule because REALTORS® never follow the same work hours day to day.

“It’s hard to judge when we will be busy and when we won’t,” Westbrook said. “When we are not busy, that is when we really need to focus on fitting physical activity in.”

One simple way to fit in some physical activity is just to park farther away and walk.

“Walk across the parking lot,” Westbrook said. “We don’t think about it because we are always in a rush in this business, trying to get to the next transaction. But, we need to think about the smaller things more.”

Diane Fischer, the spokesperson for the Michigan Dietetic Association and chief clinical dietician for Sparrow Health System in Lansing suggests keeping a pair of comfortable shoes in the car.

“A great workout at the gym is wonderful, but if it doesn’t fit in, still do little activities between appointments,” Fisher said. “You can stop and walk at the park on your way to another appointment. Or, when pumping gas, do a few stretches.”

Physical activity not only improves muscle tone and flexibility, but helps relieve stress and will make people feel better throughout the day, Fischer said.

Another problem REALTORS® have is being home for family meals. Although it may be easy to schedule a showing during dinner time, it is important to sit down and have a regular meal with the family.

“ A family meal can really make things better,” Fischer said. “Whether it’s breakfast, lunch or dinner, the enjoyment and socialization associated with a family meal are important when trying to maintain a healthy lifestyle.”

Westbrook said he tries to avoid the fast food stops and instead make it home for dinner.

“ You need to go home and have family time,” Westbrook said. “A lot of times REALTORS® miss meal time or let clients dictate their schedule. You need to communicate to clients that you need to work around dinner time with your family.”

It is also important REALTORS® don’t skip meals or grab fast food when driving to different appointments. Fischer suggests keeping a cooler in the car so REALTORS® can grab a quick snack whenever they need an energy boost.

“ If you are running late, are hungry and have to get to another showing, you are likely to go through the drive thru,” Fischer said. “But, if you keep healthy snacks in the car, you can grab one of those instead and enjoy something not as high in calories.”

Fischer said string cheese, whole grain crackers and nuts are all good snacks to keep in the car.

“ If you eat these foods, you will be less hungry for the ones that cause problems,” Fischer said. “The health benefit from fruits and vegetables is also great. Try different colors and kinds. They will increase your nutrient intake and provide natural sugar.”

While REALTORS® can start to take these simple steps toward living a healthier lifestyle, they will soon be able to also participate in a state wide program aimed at creating a healthier Michigan.

Stakeholders from across the state, including people from businesses, schools, healthcare organizations, faith-based groups and general communities, convened together to address ways to improve the health of Michigan, Wisdom said. Three areas were discussed that related to unhealthy lifestyles of Michigan residents; physical inactivity, unhealthy eating habits and tobacco use. To address these problem, the state is launching a program called, “Michigan Steps Up.”

“My vision is to see Michigan become the healthiest state,” Wisdom said. “And, this is one step in the right direction.”

As part of “Michigan Steps Up,” a Web site is being created to help promote healthy living, Wisdom said. Individuals will be able to go on the site and create a personal profile, obtain a health risk appraisal and then set goals based on the assessment.

There will also be daily tips, and a section where businesses can go and look for ideas and programs for their companies to adopt.

“Hopefully when the Web site is launched people will log on and help us grow to become a healthier Michigan,” Wisdom said. “We will also conduct a media campaign with PSAs promoting health in general for people who may not have access to the Web.”

Challenges are another component of the “Michigan Steps Up” campaign, Wisdom said. One pedometer based challenge already conducted involved the government. The house, senate and executive branch were all given pedometers to monitor their steps during a 16 week challenge. The executive branch won.

“We want to lead by example and encourage businesses to take on challenges,” Wisdom said. “This same type of competition can be modeled in the business community.”

REALTOR® associations across Michigan can create these types of challenges against other associations or even against local offices in their region. It is important for everyone to start working toward living a healthier lifestyle not only to protect themselves, but also to help Michigan’s economy and businesses, Wisdom said.

“Prevention is everyone’s business and it starts at the individual level,” Wisdom said. “However, stakeholder groups (such as businesses) can play a major role in supporting the efforts of individuals. We know this is a significant problem and it is unfortunate our health status is where it is. But I’ve seen many people motivated to improve the health of their community members and I hope more people with continue to get involved.”