Contributed by Tanya Schiavone
Health care costs are on the rise–that’s not news. But what was news to me was just how much of overall health care costs can be traced to poor lifestyle choices. According to a study published in the November 2012 Issue of Health affairs, almost 25% of health care costs are a direct result of unhealthy, modifiable behaviors. These include poor eating habits, physical inactivity, smoking and alcohol abuse.
After reading The High Price of Unhealthy Behavior, it made even more sense that companies promote behavior modification and preventative measures to their employees. For example, providing employees with preventative benefits such as gym memberships/exercise programs, smoking cessation programs, health care screening, menu changes in company cafeterias, will make a positive impact on the corporate bottom line in the long run.
A few companies offering preventative benefits are: Meetup offers smoking cessation services and has free fruit available in its offices; CVS drug chain provides Postpartum Depression Assessment; Aetna offers family programs – new baby care, pet care, at risk/high risk adolescent program; well-being programs – smoking cessation, stress management, mindfulness, depression assistance; personal development programs – relationship counseling, career coaching; Blue Cross Blue Shield offers maternity and fitness programs.
Does your company offer preventative/wellness programs as part of your healthcare package? We invite you to leave your comments in the box below.
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