Wellness Programs Lower Health Risk
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Depression: Depressions costs U.S. employers over $44 billion per year, mostly in absenteeism and lost productivity (“Morning Edition,” National Public Radio, October 7, 1999).
Two-thirds of patients with undiagnosed depression visit a primary care physician more than six times a year with physical complaints (Healthcare Demand and Disease Management, September 1997).
People experiencing a major depressive disorder are 27 times more likely than others to have a work disability. Yet a National Mental Health Association survey showed only half of women and less than half of men consider depression a health problem. Wellness programs help employees confront and manage mental disorders.
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Stress: A 1997 study found uncontrolled stress was responsible for 12% of all unscheduled absences that year, double the rate of 1995. What’s more, stress caused nearly half the workers to respond unethically or illegally. Reported reactions to stress included: cutting corners on quality control, falsifying accident reports, abusing sick day policy, and deceiving customers and superiors on serious matters (Business & Health, November 1997).
Between 50% and 80% of all reported diseases are stress-related in origin, and nearly half of all successful executives seriously consider career changes while in their 40’s because of stress. However, a comprehensive study by the American Journal of Health Promotion documented that worksite stress management programs decrease blood pressure and anxiety and increase job satisfaction.
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Weight Control: Obese employees are more than twice as likely to experience high-level absenteeism – 14 or more absences due to illness per year (American Journal of Health Promotion, December, 1998).
The one-third of Americans who are overweight have double the normal risk for coronary artery disease, but weight loss can bring that risk back in line. Structured weight control programs give people the support to make lifestyle changes.
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Nutrition: Employees with total cholesterol over 200 have 16% more hospital days and 24% more claims in excess of $5,000. Changes in diet can reduce cholesterol, and for every 1% reduction in blood cholesterol, The Wellness Letter reported a 2-3% reduction in heart attack risk. Nutrition education helps people choose healthier eating.
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Exercise: Fitness center participants stay in hospitals an average 2.1 days less than nonparticipants (American Journal of Health Promotion, July/August 1993).
A regular program of low to moderate exercise reduces heart attack risk by 35-55%, reported The Wellness Letter. And Harvard Medical School noted that doing aerobic exercise five times a week decreases the risk of Type II diabetes by 42%. Fitness programs and incentives raise employee activity levels.
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Regular Exams: Working Woman observed that every three minutes, a woman in the U.S. learns she has breast cancer. Yet in a poll of 2,500 women, age 18 and older, a full third admitted they hadn’t had a clinical breast exam in the past year. Finding cancer early vastly increases the chances of recovery, and health education communicates the importance of regular exams.
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Smoking Cessation: The Wellness Letter (UC Berkeley) reported that smoking doubles a person’s chances of having a heart attack. Yet within five to 10 years of quitting, the former smoker’s risk is no different from that of a lifetime nonsmoker. Targeted smoking cessation programs help people quit.
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Safe Habits: Employees who fail to use seat belts have 54% more hospital days and 36% more claims in excess of $5,000 than those who do. One serious car crash can cost an employer $100,000. Wellness programs make the case for safety.