Health Insurance Daily

Healthier Bodies Support A Firmer Bottom Line

Wellness programs are becoming more elaborate as companies try to control benefit costs by building a healthier work force.

Instead of offering smoke breaks, some companies are encouraging employees to pump some iron, go for a long walk or run - even on company time.

Laura Rees, president of the Human Resources Association of Central Ohio said that companies are recognizing that poor physical fitness is linked to a number of health issues.

The Department of Health and Human Services reports that 75 percent of health-care costs are spent on chronic conditions such as obesity, cardiovascular disease and adult onset diabetes, that are preventable.

If companies can save money on health-care costs through prevention, it pumps up the company's bottom line, she said.

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posted by Mike @ 10:55 AM