Released: March 31, 2009
Atlanta, GA
Employee wellness programs are now more important than ever. US expenditures for health care reached $1.8 trillion in 2004 and continue to rise. The increase in the employer’s portion of the total spending has been dramatic in recent years. Recent studies indicate that almost 50% of corporate profits now go for health-care costs versus only 7% three decades ago.
Employers are actively seeking new ways to reduce health-care costs without jeopardizing their ability to attract and retain workers. These factors have prompted many organizations to actively promote health and wellness at the work site.
By providing education to employees specifically on how to improve eating habits, reduce stress and increase healthy lifestyle activities like exercise, organizations will experience the following benefits:
-Decreased healthcare costs
-Reduced absenteeism
-Increased productivity
-Increased employee satisfaction
-Enhanced workplace community
-Improved recruitment and retention of high-achieving employees
But the benefits actually extend to the larger community, as wellness programs offer an opportunity to have an impact on many of the issues we as a country are facing today. From the obesity epidemic, with 65% of adults overweight or obese, and one third of children overweight, to rising rates of diabetes among both adults and children as young as 11 years old.
These health issues also impact us economically, through the rising costs of healthcare and the failure of our health care system to deal with issues of chronic illness. Wellness programs have the potential to make inroads into solving these challenging problems.
Wellness programs that address nutrition, cooking and food choices provide a proven defense against chronic illness. The other components, such as exercise, screening, awareness and so forth, combine to provide a well-rounded prevention program to increase health and wellness while reducing the need for medical and pharmaceutical interventions.
Laura Brown is a Certified Health Counselor, which is a nutrition expert, wellness authority and a supportive coach. Drawing on her more than 20 years in corporate life, Laura designs wellness programs for organizations of all sizes.
Laura Brown
President
Health Synergies
Atlanta, GA
Phone : 770-953-0534
Courtesy FeaturesUSA.com