(HealthDay News) — Workplace wellness programs are an effective way to reduce major risk factors for heart disease, such as smoking, obesity, high blood pressure and diabetes, says a new American Heart Association policy statement.
Each year, heart disease costs the United States about $304.6 billion, the association says. Companies spend 25 to 30 percent of their annual medical costs on employees with significant health risks, mainly because of their increased likelihood of experiencing heart disease and stroke, it says. Read more…
Filed under: Workplace Wellness Seems to Really Work
You bet they do! And you don't have to pay employees to get them to work either (although that probably is the most effective way). Little things like remembering an employee's 2-month smoke-out date or providing maps of healthy eating options close to your office really can make a difference. Hold a healthy-cooking class during lunch one day.
For 101 tips on how to encourage employee wellness, check out my blog: http://iworkhealthy.wordpress.com/2009/10/15/employers-101-ways-to-healthy-employees-and-reduced-health-care-costs/