Why We Cannot Afford to Overlook Health and Wellness in

the Workplace

Marianne SmithTownship Manager

Hardyston Township

Obesity in America

• Some facts: only 51% (47% of New Jerseyans) participated in some form of moderate or rigorous activity last year.1

• 61% of all Americans are either overweight or obese2

• 31.6% of children in the U.S. are either overweight or obese3

Obesity in America continued …

It’s getting worse…

• 63% of American high schoolers do not receive their recommended physical activity level (60 min. of exercise 5 times/ week) 4

• 31.5% of New Jersey is obese. • The CDC has predicted that by 2050,

as many as 1 in 3 adults will have diabetes.5

More on Diabetes

• Diabetes is the sixthleading cause of death in the United States.

• Obesity-related health problems cost American taxpayers more than $147 Billion a year in healthcare.6

• 18.2 Million children and adults suffer from diabetes in the United States.

• Imagine: 6% to 33% of the population in just four decades.

Other consequences

• Other diseases that can arise from being overweight and obese include coronary heart disease, dyslipidemia (high total cholesterol), stroke, liver and gallbladder disease, sleep apnea and respiratory problems, infertility, abnormal menses, and osteoarthritis (degeneration of cartilage and bone).

• High blood pressure is twice as common for obese people; over 80% of diabetics are overweight or obese. Women who gain more than 20 pounds after high school double their risk of developing postmenopausal breast cancer.

The Economic Impact of Obesity

• Studies show that obesity-related disorders cost employers nearly 40 million lost workdays, 239 million restricted-activity days, and 63 million doctor visits each year. 8

$828.20

$10.80$80.20

$127.50

PresenteeismIndividualLost WorkdaysCaregiverPresenteeismCaregiverLost WorkdaysIndividual

$1.1 Trillion in Total Productivity was lost in 2003 alone. 9

So what does this mean for government?

• Less productivity means less days worked, less revenue being generated and circulated.

• More money spent on healthcare costs. • More taxes going towards Medicare instead of towards important

services – depleted capital. • Less of an active adult workforce spending more of their income

towards taking care of a generation afflicted with preventable diseases.

• More otherwise healthy, normal children and adults afflicted with diseases which used to be affiliated with the elderly.

• A loss of several generations’ worth of confidence, energy, creativity and no sense of regeneration in the workforce.

Childhood Obesity

• Type II diabetes now affects children; overweight adolescents have a 70% chance of becoming overweight or obese as adults, and if they have an overweight or obese parent, that chance increases to 80%.10

Nutrition & the New Recession• We need more access to nutrition: New Jersey lacks any local Food Policy Councils or State Level

Healthier Food Retail Policies.11

• Legislation is pending for State Farm to School Policies, which would place value on NJ agricultural endeavors while at the same time educating our children on the importance of a balanced diet.

• With personal budgets tightened due to a nationwide recession with nearly one in twelve working adults unemployed, healthy nutritious food prices are at an all-time high.

• Americans are being forced to choose between price and nutrition. The cheaper option is a diet high in fat and calories and low in substantial nutritional value, which costs an average of $1.76 per 1,000 calories. When compared with $18.76 per 1,000 calories of nutritious food, a struggling family will most likely choose the more affordable option.12

• Moreover, there has been a severe increased demand on food banks and other assistance programs, most of which do not have the resources to provide low-income families with healthy choices. Lean proteins, dairy products, and fresh produce are the most limited items.

Crisis in Health Drives Focus Towards Wellness and Prevention• Skyrocketing costs for healthcare and

insurance• National corporate trend towards health

management and wellness education• Health Reform Act • Reality

Changing the Workplace Culture

•Leadership•Resources/Education•Enthusiasm•Financial Support

Hardyston Township’s Approach

• Garnered Township Council support• Established a Wellness Committee• Surveyed staff relative to interest and need• Capitalized on existing staff knowledge and

enthusiasm• Utilized part of HIF dividend to fund limited costs

associated with program development

Hardyston Township’s Approach

• Advocated for wellness programming as a member of the North Jersey Employee Benefit Fund

• Capitalized on community partnerships– YMCA– Local medical community– PBA– Local sports groups– School

Hardyston Township Approach

• Conducting wellness seminar series• Group and individual participation in

walking challenge• Development of health information library,

magazines and information• Provide reasonable flexibility to encourage

physical activity of employees

Next Steps…

• Hired intern to assist with community building and development of wellness initiatives and programming

• Participation in the rollout of telephonic /internet wellness coaching for employees provided by MRHIF

• Expand and enhance community partnerships, i.e., school, non-profit organizations to promote community wellness