This post is part of a series of stories featuring the entrepreneurs who participated in Unreasonable Mexico’s second annual program.
René del Castillo and Alex Place met while studying at Babson College in Boston. One summer, the two friends decided to work for a solar energy company in Guatemala. After weeks of installing panels in remote communities, Castillo and Place realized how precious yet polluted the water was for the local people.
In Mexico alone, nearly three-quarters of citizens are overweight or obese. Tweet This Quote
This experience prompted them to consider how Mexico (where Castillo is from) and the United States (where Place is from) take water—and health in general—for granted. Both countries are two of the largest users of plastic bottles in the world. Often, these bottles aren’t filled with pure water—instead, sugary drinks like juice and soda that have escalated health problems like obesity and diabetes in both countries. In Mexico alone, nearly three-quarters of citizens are overweight or obese and 14% of adults suffer from diabetes.
Upon returning to Boston at the end of that summer, Castillo and Place decided they had to do something about this. While finishing their studies in 2013, they started building the foundation of SAHNA—a preventative health company that provides affordable corporate wellness training and services for employees of large manufacturing plants in Mexico.
In Mexico, 14% of adults suffer from diabetes. Tweet This Quote
Castillo and Place chose to focus on Mexico because of Castillo’s deep connection and desire to return to his home country.
“I was born in a privileged situation in Mexico with a supportive family that gave me a ton of opportunities,” says Castillo. “Even though I enjoyed living in Boston, I felt responsible that because I had this privilege, I had to give back to my country.” As soon as the duo graduated, Castillo moved to Mexico City to build the pilot program.
In Spanish, SAHNA is a play on the word “healthy” and an acronym for Salud, Agua, Hidratación, Nutrición, Actividad Física, which translates to health, water, hydration, nutrition, and physical activity—the key components SAHNA is focusing on to drive habit change, starting from the inside of corporations.
Grupo Bimbo employees exercise with SAHNA
Companies pay a monthly fee per worker so SAHNA can set up shop in their facilities. Since it is more expensive to treat employees with a higher health risk, the fees vary between 6-12 USD. Employees who choose to participate also pay a yearly membership of approximately 20 USD. SAHNA brings in nutritionists, physical activity trainers and psychologists to determine the health risk profile for each participating employee and then personalize their exercise and nutrition programs.
For the first six months, the goal is to provide employees with the tools and knowledge they need to take control of their health. Typically, this happens through one-on-one monthly check-ups with a nutritionist and at least two classes of physical activity per week. Every worker belonging to the same risk profile goes through the same six-month process, establishing a sense of community.
The U.S. and Mexico are two of the largest users of plastic bottles in the world. Tweet This Quote
After the six-month period concludes, the frequency of activities decreases and some become optional. SAHNA shifts into a social benefits program, where continued employee participation unlocks different incentives. For example, the first incentive offered is a home water filter system. However, the incentives extend beyond the employee benefits. Corporations also see a spike in productivity from a healthier workforce. For example, employees miss fewer days on the job due to illness or injury, and health costs decline for doctor visits and medications.
“Beyond increasing productivity and reducing health costs, our program creates loyalty toward the company and a greater appreciation from the worker, which then reduces employee turnover,” said Castillo. “This is a huge saving, but the biggest benefits the companies see are a healthier and happier workforce.”
SAHNA participants gather at a Sunday family event
SAHNA’s pilot program in 2014 worked with 55 employees of Grupo Bimbo—the world’s largest bakery product manufacturing company based in Mexico City (think Wonder Bread and Sara Lee). In the pilot, 80% of participants lost at least 1% of body fat and an average of 1.5 inches off their waistlines. They increased their total number of daily steps by 77%, tracked with individual pedometers and measured against the baseline data recorded at the beginning of the pilot. Other metrics tracked include number of water bottles consumed daily, cholesterol levels and participation in classes and consultations.
Now, SAHNA has over 200 Grupo Bimbo employees in their program. By March 2016, they aim to enroll 1,000-2,000 more and start expanding into three other corporations. In coordination with these large corporate partners, they also plan to launch a nationwide campaign promoting fun, healthy habits for all Mexicans.
Mexicans are dynamic, entrepreneurial and have a lot of potential. Tweet This Quote
“Our goal is to show every worker in Mexico and their families that living healthy is easy, cheap, you save money, and it’s very fun,” says Castillo.
By targeting blue-collar workers, SAHNA’s goal is to build a better culture of health in Mexico for people who otherwise might not have access to this information or these services. Ultimately, SAHNA aims to lead a larger cultural shift in the way working class Mexicans see themselves implementing change in their country.
“In five years, we want to be the go-to company for employee wellness in Mexico and Latin America,” said Castillo. “We Mexicans have a lot of potential. We are dynamic and entrepreneurial. We know how to work with a little. Imagine what we could do with more.”
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