Employees Willing To Pay For Weight Loss
Concern about the nation's obesity epidemic has spilled into the worksite market, which new research shows might be an excellent way to help harried working Americans shed unwanted pounds.
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obesity.
Signs of Heart Attack That Many Patients Don't Know
Monday's news that many people with heart disease may be lacking in their knowledge about the signs of a heart attack led U.S. News to believe the general public might benefit from a refresher, too. In fact, two colleagues recently wrote that both sexes could stand to be a bit more heart aware: Deborah Kotz blogged about how
women having heart attacks are often slow to get help, and Adam Voiland noted that a not-so-subtle clue,
erectile dysfunction, might be a sign of heart disease or diabetes. Vincent Bufalino, cardiologist and spokesman for the American Heart Association, offers up the must-know information that could save your ticker—and your life—should a heart attack strike.
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Signs of Heart Attack.
Employers Weigh In On Obesity
The workplace is the ideal setting to address weight management issues. For example, 80% of employees agree that healthy lifestyles/weight management programs belong in the workplace, according to new research by the Stop Obesity Alliance.
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Weight Management Issues.
Wellness Programs On The Rise
Though actual figures differ depending on the size of organizations polled, two recent surveys suggest 2008 is turning out to be a very good year for wellness programs.
A survey by Chicago-based Aon Consulting shows dramatic jumps in the numbers of U.S. employers implementing wellness programs. Entitled the 2008 Benefits and Talent Survey, the report indicates a threefold increase from 2007 to 2008 in various initiatives. For example, about 46 percent of employers are implementing smoking-cessation programs this year, up from 14 percent of employers in 2007.
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Wellness.
More Americans Are Taking Prescription Medications
For the first time, it appears that more than half of all insured Americans are taking prescription medicines regularly for chronic health problems, a study shows.
The most widely used drugs are those to lower high blood pressure and cholesterol _ problems often linked to heart disease, obesity and diabetes.
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Prescription Medications.
Small Business Owners Feeling The Crunch Of Sluggish Economy
Small business owners have felt the pinch of a tightened economy in the last six months, reports the 2008 American Express OPEN Spring Monitor.
"Like most Americans, SBOs are concerned about the uncertain economy," says Susan Sobbot, president of American Express OPEN. "However … they remain focused on opportunities for the future and growing their business."
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Small Business Owners.
Wal-Mart Expands Discount Drug Program
Wal-Mart Stores announced that it would expand its discounted prescription drug program to offer 90-day supplies for $10. What's more, the company said it would lower the price of more than 1,000 over-the-counter drugs.
The giant retailer is in the third phase of a program that started in 2006 to provide a 30-day supply of generic prescription drugs for $4. Wal-Mart also said the program had saved customers more than $1 billion, reports the New York Times.
Information provided by Employee Benefit News, 5-8-2008.
Cancer Remains Top Cause For Long-Term Disability Claims
The American Cancer Society reports the number of cancer survivors in the United States has increased four-fold in the last 30 years, and prevalence of cancer is expected to double by 2030. Consequently, for the seventh consecutive year, cancer is the leading reason for long-term disability absence in 2007, found Unum, a provider of group disability insurance.
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long-term disability.
Power To The Patient
If rising rates of diabetes are any indication, this country is getting sicker.
In 2005, the Centers for Disease Control reported that nearly 21 million Americans were afflicted with diabetes. That was an increase of 2.6 million from 2002, making the disease -- a leading cause of blindness, kidney disease, heart attacks and strokes -- the sixth-highest cause of death in America.
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Coaching.
Dos and Don'ts of Health Coaching
Health coaching is an important aspect of any health-promotion program. Done well, it will be a catalyst for a healthier and more productive workforce.
What is health coaching? It is the process of support, guidance and encouragement for helping people make and sustain health improvements in their lives. When offered as a part of a health-benefits package, the biggest challenge is getting employees engaged and keeping them engaged over time.
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Health Coaching.
