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Wellness News
December 16, 2011
Wellness Programs Become Integral to Cost Savings
One health insurer incentivizes its own employees with a wellness plan that helps them shed 20 tons
By Paul Handel, MD
The poor health status of many American workers costs the economy an estimated $153 billion in lost productivity-much of it attributable to obesity and chronic illness. Those who are overweight have three times as many unhealthy days per month, leading to lost work time and "resenteeism," or unproductive workdays.
To fight the rising cost of healthcare, some companies are cutting back on their employee health coverage or raising premiums and deductibles for their workers. While this approach might save money for the employer in teh short term, it doesn't help employees become heathier and more productive, nor does it reduce absenteeism or presenteeism.
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November 21, 2011
Ways to improve blood pressure:
- Lose excess weight. Your systolic pressure drops about 1 point for every 2 pounds shed.
- Follow a DASH diet. Dietary Approaches to Stop Hypertension means eating a lower-fat diet rich in vegetables, fruits and low-fat dairy foods. This can lower your pressure 8 to 14 points.
- Exercise daily. 30 minutes a day of brisk aerobic activity can lower systolic pressure 4 to 9 points.
- Limit sodium. By eating no more than 2,400 mg a day (with a goal of only 1,50mg/day) systolic pressure can drop 2 to 8 points.
- Limit alcohol. If you drink, have no more than two drinks a day for men, one for women. (One drink = 12 ounces beer, 5 ounces wine, or 1.5 ounces 80-proof whiskey.) This can lower systolic pressure by 2 to 4 points.
- Stop smoking. Living with a smoker is also harmful and could cause cardiovascular damage.