Engaging Employees Around Health and Wellness: Current Trends Presented by: Julie Sich MS, ATC Summa Care Health Promotions Coordinator Transmitted by: Sir David Ochieng’ President Sir David Ochieng Foundation www.davidochiengfoundation.net

Agenda Why Employee Health and Wellness is important Current Health and Wellness Trends Worksite Wellness Case Study Limitations/Barriers to Worksite Wellness Small Steps to a Wellness Program

GDP Gross Domestic Product http://www. who

Why Employee Health and Wellness Is Important Many of the health concerns that face Americans today are preventable or manageable. Two-thirds of adults in the United States are overweight, and almost one-third are obese. The cost of being overweight or obese is estimated to reach $117 billion in direct and indirect costs. 75% of employers’ health care costs and productivity losses are related to employee lifestyle choices. Healthy People 2010 provides a framework for prevention for the Nation. They focus on national health objectives designed to identify the most significant preventable threats to health and to establish national goals to reduce these threats.  Healthy People 2010 challenges individuals, communities, and professionals to take specific steps to ensure that good health, as well as long life, are enjoyed by all.  

Obesity Trends Among U.S. Adults (BMI > 30) Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance Survey BRFSS

Poor Behaviors Impact Health Care Costs Sedentary Living Other Poor Diet Obesity Tobacco

Lifestyle Choices Lead to Chronic Disease Nurses Health Study (NHS) how behaviors effect incidence of chronic disease.

Current Health and Wellness Trends Telephonic Wellness Coaching Exercise Nutrition Weight loss Incentives to increase participation in wellness programs Cash/gifts Premium Reduction Non-cash gifts Disincentives to drive healthy behaviors Premium Increase Co-pay Increases Reduced Benefits

Current Health and Wellness Trends (continued) Worksite walking programs Free measurements of worksite by the American Heart Association Worksite exercise facilities Mostly at larger self funded companies Worksite weight loss programs Weight Watchers Employee supported programs

Current Health and Wellness Trends (continued) Worksite Biometric Screenings and Preventive Services Blood Pressure, BMI, Cholesterol, Nicotine, Flu vaccine, Mobile Mammograms, PSA Emphasis on Sustainable Lifestyle and Behavior Changes No longer short fix (quick diet or exercise jag) Focus on Self Care (HRA - survey) Educating employees to recognize, prevent, treat, and manage health problems on his or her own before seeking medical attention.

Medical Self-care Facts Approximately 60% of emergency visits are clinically inappropriate. Approximately 30% of physician office visits are not clinically necessary. Approximately 25% of prescribed medications are not necessary. Only 45% of patients comply with the medical advice they receive. ~Larry Chapman, Wise Health/Sr VP WebMD

Engagement Strategies Every contact (mail, telephonic, electronic) reinforces availability for: Member Provider Online push content to member based on health risk assessment Targeted campaigns throughout the year reinforce preventive care, chronic disease self management Incentive support and fulfillment to support employer strategies

Worksite Wellness Case Study (3 Year Program, over 150 employees, factory and office workers) Wellness Program: Annual Biometric Screenings Completion of Online Health Risk Appraisal Compliant with Preventive Health Exams Tobacco\Nicotine Free Participation in worksite wellness events Health Fair Wellness Lectures Organized Programs Lunch Walks Community Events Weight Loss Challenge Vegetable Garden

Worksite Wellness Case Study (Results) The average weight for men and women decreased each year with an average weight loss of 17 pounds per male employee and 9 pounds per female employee. The average BMI for men is 26 and women is 27. While this is still higher then the recommended Body Mass Index of 18.5 to 25 they have decreased their overall BMI on average by 2 points over the past 3 years. The average Total Cholesterol for both men and women has decreased by 11 points and is within normal limits. The average LDL (bad) for both men and women has decreased by 7 points and is within normal limits. The average HDL (good) for both men and women has increased by 9 points and is within normal limits. The average Blood Pressure for both men and women decreased by 3 points and is within normal limits.

Limitations/Barriers of Worksite Wellness Lack of senior level support of an employee health and wellness program. Employers question why they should pay/use company time for employee wellness. Companies do not have a clear health and wellness goal tied into their strategic plans. Lack of reliable ROI to demonstrate program success as it relates to health care savings and productivity.

Benchmark Wellness Program with Healthy People 2020 Goals

Population Risk Count T1 T2 Comparison

Questions?

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