Poor health is not only damaging to employees, it is detrimental to businesses. "Corporations pay a heavy cost for stress-related illnesses, such as hypertension, gastrointestinal problems, and substance abuse," says Rubin.

"Up to 90% of all doctor visits in the United States are for stress-related illnesses," according to Dr. Mehet Oz of the Dr. Oz Show.

Chronic stress has a variety of negative side effects such as weight gain, lower immune system, increased risk of disease, and fatigue. Employers should encourage employees to reduce stress levels and improve their overall health.

The first step is to educate employees on health topics. Provide reading materials or offer seminars. People can\'t make positive changes if they don\'t know what to change.

Once employees know about health topics such as stress, exercising, and healthy eating, start a health related competition such as the Biggest Loser. This offers employees motivation and a support system. If the entire office is involved, employees will be more likely to accomplish their goals.

To help employees make positive lifestyle changes, have a kitchen equipped with a refrigerator and microwave to prepare healthy meals. Research shows that preparing food is healthier than eating out. Also, encourage breaks throughout the day. Even small amounts of exercise throughout the day are beneficial.

According to Dr. Oz, "Exercise releases serotonin and dopamine, the feel-good hormones that become blocked during stress. Walking stairs is a great workout. One study showed that walking stairs 7 minutes a day reduces the risk of heart disease by two-thirds."

If possible, offer a company discount on gym memberships. This will encourage employees to make positive choices outside of the office and to exercise regularly.

1. Which of the following words is not suitable to replace the underlying word above?

A. deleterious B. devastating C. harmful D. destructive

2. What can be inferred from these paragraphs?

A. Company discount on gym memberships will surely improve employees\' frequency of exercise.

B. It is helpful to the company if the employers can lay off employees with health issues.

C. Most Americans have suffered from stress-related illnesses.

D. To make sure that the employees are aware of the importance of physical and mental health is essential to promote good health in a company.

3. These paragraphs are mostly likely taken from ______.

A. Pay attention to Your Health

B. How to be a Favorable Employee

C. It\'s Important to Build a Healthy Body

D. Several Ways to Improve Employee Satisfaction

4. To create a healthy workplace, the employers can ______.

A. build motivation and a support system

B. encourage breaks to do exercise

C. build a kitchen so that the employers could make healthy meals

D. all above

5. Which of the following statement is not true?

A. Offering seminars, starting competitions and offering discount on gym memberships will be costly, so companies should not pay much attention to these activities.

B. In companies where good health is promoted, employees are more likely to be loyal and productive.

C. Exercise plays an important role of building a strong body.

D. Chronic stress in the workplace might be harmful to the company\'s interest.