Workplace Wellness…Workplace Wellness…Prevention is the Key!Prevention is the Key!

Lynn Winkler, MA, RD, LDN Wellness Coordinator/Registered Dietitian

Catawba Valley Medical Center

“Corporate Wellbeing”

Workplace wellness: A combination of educational, organizational and environmental activities designed to support the health of your employees and their families

Medical ScreeningsHealth Risk AssessmentsHealth CoachingNewslettersFitness Programs or FacilitiesRD on CallHealth Information Portal

Old Idea: Workplace wellness programs are a nice “Extra”

New Idea: Workplace wellness programs are a “Necessity”

Healthy employees, are more productive,

cost you lessand are more loyal!!

Healthy Workforce Act• Tax credits to businesses that offer healthy work

environmentsSupply and Demand

Prevention, Prevention, Prevention

Do Your Research

75% of health care costs are directly related to lifestyle and are preventable

Yet, less than 3% of all health care costs are spent on Prevention

Preventing disease can save a company $200-$440 per person each year

Early Intervention - Change the focus to Prevention

Not smoking

Moderate exercise at least 5 x/week

Blood pressure under 120/80

Total cholesterol under 200 mg/dL

BMI less than 25

A diet high in produce, fish, and whole grains, and low in sodium and sugary beverages

(JAMA, 2010)

Smoking Cessation

Stress Management

Fitness and Nutrition

Chronic Disease Management• Metabolic Syndrome• Diabetes• Obesity

The government estimates that for every pack of cigarettes smoked it costs nearly $4 for additional medical expenses caused from smoking

Second-Hand Smoke• No safe level of exposure

Smokers who quit before age 50 have 1/2 the risk of dying in the next 15 years as those persons who continue to smoke

Less Cancer, Heart Disease and Stroke

Fewer wrinkles

Fewer colds

Stronger bones

Happier

Smoke-Free Policy

Support Groups

Quit line (1-800-QUIT-NOW)

Pharmacological Aids

Public Health• Reminder system to assess, advise, track, and monitor

tobacco use

Responsibilities

Coworkers

Unclear Goals/Expectations

Complicated/Demanding Tasks

Getting too little exercise, sleep and poor nutrition

Personal/Family Stress

Provide Employees with Strategies

Better Nutrition Tips• Less caffeine, less sugar, less salt

Smoking Cessation Exercise Focus on Women’s Stress Issues Journal/Relaxation Techniques Team Building Strategies Laugh

64.5% of adults in the US are considered physically active

60.9% of adults in NC are considered physically active

~10%- 25% of adults really receive the recommended amount of physical activity

(CDC, 2010)

Less likely to get sick:• Reduces health care costs

• Helps prevent and control disease• Reduces Absenteeism and Presenteeism

Increased energy Increased self confidence Tend to take on more leadership roles Less stressed Improves sleep

Walking Program

Physical activity challenges between departments/Corporate sports teams

Corporate Gym Discounts

Flex Time

Encouraging Stair Use

“A healthy man has many wishes, but an unhealthy man has but one wish”.

-Indian Proverb

Good nutrition is essential to good health and healthy weight

Fruits and vegetables have been shown to guard against chronic diseases:

• Cardiovascular Disease

• Type 2 Diabetes

• Some cancers

N.C. Institute of Medicine. Healthy N.C.2020: A Better State of Health

Old Idea! New Idea!

Meeting Options:• Offer whole grain foods, fruits and vegetables

• Provide water or other low calorie beverages

• Try smaller portions

• Try only beverages if it is a mid-morning or mid-afternoon meeting

Metabolic Syndrome

Heart disease 90%-95% of people diagnosed with Diabetes have Type 2 Diabetes, formerly

known as Adult-Onset Diabetes

Overweight/Obesity and being older are risk factors for Diabetes and other chronic diseases.

N.C. Institute of Medicine. Healthy N.C.2020: A Better State of Health

Obese workers have 21% higher health care costs compared with those of a healthy weight.

Health Care and University Employees' Number of Lost Workdays*, by BMI, Duke Health and Safety

Surveillance System (2007)

1460

376

0

100

200

300

400

Lost Workdays

Nu

mb

er o

f L

ost

Wo

rkd

ays

Healthy Weight

Overweight

Obese

*Per 100 Full-Time Equivalents. Source: Østbye, T. etal. Obesity and Workers’ Compensation: Results From the Duke Health and Safety Surveillance System, Arch Intern Med . 2007;167:766-773.

Newest Trend: • Online Health and Wellness Assessment

Programs• Social Media Options

Health Related Applications <7,000 Health and Fitness Apps The Smokefree Quit Guide Breath2Relax BMI Calculator Cardio Trainer

Non-structured Activity vs. Structured • 15 minutes can save your life• Stand up from your desk• Use restroom on different floor, set alarm each hour to get

up and move, physical activity appsHealthy Foods at MeetingsHealthy Vending/Cafeteria Optionswww.beactivenc.orgwww.eatsmartmovemorenc.org

Premium Adjustments, Monetary Awards, Recognition

• Point System Decreased Copays or Deductables

Corporate Funded Contributions to FSA

Better Medical Plan Access

Prime Parking Spots for Participating

Multilevel Leadership• Create a “Culture of Wellness”

Alignment• A natural extension of the companies identity

Scope, Relevance and Quality• Must be a comprehensive, engaging and excellent

Accessibility• On-site integration is essential

Partnerships• Active internal and community partnerships are

vitalCommunications

• Delivery makes the difference!

Occupational Health Services• Cholesterol Screenings• Flu Shots• Biometric Screenings• Lunch-n-Learn and On-Line Options• CPR and First Aid Education• Corporate Health Fairs

Fitness Plus: Corporate Fitness Memberships

Health First Center

Support Groups

Healthy House: Weight Solutions for Youth

Catawba CountyIn 2006, the percentage of

overweight children surpassed the statewide percentages

Catawba County CHA2-18 year olds –38% of

children are considered overweight/obese• NC average: 34%

In 2010: 72% of adults are overweight/obese• NC average: 65%

Caldwell

Burke

Catawba

Lincoln

Alexander

Iredell

If you don’t take time for If you don’t take time for your health today, your health today,

you will have to make time you will have to make time for illness tomorrow!for illness tomorrow!

Joseph Piscatella

Lynn Winkler, MA, RD, LDN Wellness Coordinator/Registered Dietitian

Catawba Valley Medical Center