While you may think that everyone would have their own health at the forefront of their minds, Gerald Simons has found through his work at Argus, that it is often a consideration put aside in favour of the other demands of daily life.

It was the rapid escalation of insurance premiums over recent years — a result of increased numbers of claims — that suggested to Mr. Simons that something was out of balance.

"There are three reasons that the number of insurance claims increase. One is that there is a greater awareness of drugs and services and information is more accessible through the Internet. Another is that our ageing population is growing because technology has improved, so we may live longer.

"Neither of these is really under our control."

The last, and most important reason, according to Mr. Simons, is "the alarming increase in diseases which have been linked to poor lifestyle choices," including heart disease, Diabetes, and obesity.

"We can't do anything about the availability of information or the fact that people age, but we can try to do something about how we live."

And so, the Annual Health Fair was born.

"The primary goal of the Health Fair is to raise awareness — not only of the broad spectrum of health issues, but of the personal responsibility you have to your own health," says Mr. Simons.

He believes that our current situation arises from a "disease of affluence." The ability to purchase cars or motorcycles and the preference for office jobs mean that people are less likely to have exercise as an implicit part of their lifestyle.

Furthermore, Bermudians consume greater amounts of less healthy food because we can now afford it. This is a dangerous combination as "obesity is at the heart of most health conditions in Bermuda." The pun is the only thing funny about that statement.

Mr. Simons describes a comprehensive Health care System as having two components: prevention and treatment.

"However," he elaborates, "not enough time is spent by health care professionals to educate people about disease prevention. They cannot, they are overwhelmed with the demand for treatment."

Argus decided to take on this "21st Century Challenge" to fill the information gap and show people how to take preventive measures. The Health Fair is one of a triumvirate of health incentives that Argus has generated.

The sister initiative of the Health Fair is the Argus Wellness Programme. The Wellness Programme provides companies with "tools to help organisations develop successful health management systems for their employees" and Argus is no exception. High profile Argus employees are seen publicly adopting healthy lifestyle alternatives to lead by example.

The other initiative is the Argus 400 Challenge, a seven month programme to help members of the community train for the 2009 Bermuda Day Half-Marathon Derby.

"Most people in Bermuda have no idea how it feels to be in peak physical condition," says Mr. Simons. "The May 24th Half Marathon, more so than any other athletic event, is less about times and breaking records than about whether or not you crossed the finish line."

This event includes members of the public who would not consider themselves part of the "athletic community"; and not simply as participants, but spectators also: "If you go out to watch the race, and see a co-worker, who you would never have considered "athletic," running — perhaps it will make you think 'Well, if she can do it, then so can I!'"

It may seem strange that a health insurance company, that makes money from claims, would be encouraging lifestyle choices that result in less of them. Mr. Simons is not shy about admitting an element of self-interest on behalf of the insurance business:

"Insurance companies want to control claims in order to preserve the basic benefits mechanism. If employers have to pay inflated premiums, they will begin to question the necessity of the benefits they offer employees as part of their insurance coverage packages."

When employers cut back on their benefit packages, not only are the employees shortchanged, but the insurance company loses a consistent source of revenue.

Mr. Simons also cites a former CEO of the Bermuda Hospitals Board who described a larger social impact:

"The rapid increase of health care costs threatens the provision of other social services, such as education and road maintenance."

Mr. Simons says, in conclusion:

"Living healthfully benefits everyone in the long run."

No pun intended.