Health Wellness Topics Reasons for Health Wellness Programs

Health & Wellness Topics

Reasons for Health & Wellness Programs n n Health Care Costs Most illnesses can be avoided Employees’ stress levels are increasing Aging Workforce

Health Care Costs n n n Average annual health care cost per American is $3, 925. Preventable illnesses make up 70% of health care costs Preventable illnesses account for 8 of 9 leading causes of death.

BENEFITS Reduced medical claims Reduced absenteeism Worth Every Dollar You Spend

Reasons for Unscheduled Absences 2003 Source: 2003 CCH Unscheduled Absence Survey

Direct Benefits of Wellness Program Improves Employee Health n Improves Productivity n Reduces Sick Leave n Reduces Use of Health Insurance n Reduces Workers Compensation n

Indirect Benefits of Wellness Program Improves Employee Morale n Increases Employee Job Satisfaction n Improves Corporate Image n Improves Benefit Package n

5. Behavior Change Activities 4. 5 Levels of an Effective Wellness Program Immunizations 3. Assessment & Screenings 2. Educational Activities 1. Awareness Activities

2 Big Questions What’s it going to COST? What’s it going to SAVE?

Higher Costs Preventable health risks are associated with higher corporate health care costs including workers compensation costs.

High Risk Criteria u u u u Tobacco Use Physical Activity Medication/Drug Use Absences Due to Illness Drinking Alcohol Seat Belt Use Life Satisfaction Job Satisfaction Stress Signs Depression Blood Pressure Cholesterol Fasting Glucose Weight è è User of cigarettes, pipes, cigars, chewing tobacco No regular exercise program Sometimes or frequently 5 days or more è è è è è More than 21 drinks per week Only occasionally Not too happy, very unhappy Dissatisfied, very dissatisfied 3 or more stress signals Feel depressed most of the time 160/100 or greater 240 mg/dl or greater 115 mg/dl or higher More than 20% Overweight (Obese)

Costs of High Risk Behavior n n n Unhealthy lifestyles (smoking, stress, obesity, high blood pressure, high cholesterol, poor nutrition, sedentary lifestyle, alcohol/drug usage) contribute to approximately 70% of health care costs. 1 -pack/day smoker costs a company $1, 902 more each year in medical costs than a non-smoker. A person who drinks 3+ alcoholic drinks/day costs a company $814 more each year than someone who drinks 2 or less.

First Year Treatment Costs Heart disease treatment can cost more than $30, 000 in the first year. n Cancer - $29, 000 n Stroke - $22, 000 n Diabetes - $15, 000 n Drug Abuse - $63, 000 n Hip Fracture - $40, 000 n

SAVINGS The prevalence of preventable health risk factors can be reduced through a comprehensive worksite health promotion program

Worksite Wellness n n Most claim dollars are spent on high risk individuals Goal - Keep employees healthy and don’t wait for problems before initiating wellness programs

Conclusion. . . n n Employees with modifiable health risks incur higher health care expenditures. Managing these modifiable risks provides opportunities to significantly reduce health care costs and improve quality of life.

Steps to Reduce Risks and Reduce Costs Ø Determine prevalence of risk factors for your workforce. Ø Invite and encourage employees at risk to make lifestyle changes. Ø Provide opportunity and support for change.

The Aging Workforce n n n 30% of present workforce is 45 Influx of older women into workforce By 2015 – 40% or 50 million workers will be over the age of 60

Aging Process n n n Natural process Changes in strength, size and stamina Onset of diabetes, coronary artery, cancer, etc.

Impacts of Aging on the Body n n n n Skin Ears Eyes Respiratory Cardiovascular Musculoskeletal Central Nervous System

n n n n Clinical Manifestations Bone density Weight gain Skin shifts Habits Sleep patterns Hearing Smell Temperature regulation

5 Aging Changes n n n Balance Flexibility Attention, vision, and memory Strength Reaction time Age related changes can directly affect workplace safety

What is Stress ? n n Events or situations that cause feelings of tension, pressure, or negative emotions such as anxiety and anger Physiological changes – increased heart rate and muscle tension Emotional and behavioral changes Person’s interpretation and response to a threatening event

Impacts of Stress Positive and Negative effects n Normal adaptive reaction to a threat n Performance on work tasks or deadlines n Effects on personal relationships n Physical threats n

3 Categories of Stressors n Catastrophes n Major Life Changes n Daily Hassles

Ways to Reduce Stress n n Time management skills Changes in lifestyle or how we look at things Focus on good work habits and performance Physical and health needs Unmanaged stress leads to reduced sleep, increased anxiety, weakened immune system, and reduction in job performance

“ If I exercise today, I will be able to… ”

What Can Exercise Do For Me ? n n n Prevent or delay some diseases and disabilities Reduce stress and tension Stimulates the mind Weight maintenance or loss Control appetite Boosts self image

n n n n Improves muscle tone & strength Improves flexibility Lowers blood pressure Relieves insomnia Increases good HDL cholesterol Quicker recovery after injury Provides enjoyment and fun

Activities Improve Health & Ability n n n n Walking/Jogging Biking Yoga Aerobics Weight lifting Recreational sports – Golf, Volleyball Outside activities such as gardening, home improvement projects

Four Types of Exercise n n Endurance – Increase breathing & heart rate Strength – Build muscles Balance – Help prevent falls Flexibility – Stretch muscles & tissues that hold your body’s structures in place

Rules for Stretching n n n Stretch Both Sides Avoid Bouncing Stretch Until you Feel Slight Tension, NOT PAIN or DISCOMFORT Hold for a Minimum of 10 seconds BE GENTLE RELAX into the Stretch

Five Causes of Back Injuries n n n Posture Body Mechanics / Work Habits Stressful Living Loss of Flexibility Poor conditioning

Spinal Anatomy

Back Injuries and How To Prevent Them n n n Most back problems occur over a period of time. Careful attention to lifting on the job and at home and regular exercise to maintain fitness, strength, and flexibility will help you maintain a healthy back. Proper Lifting Techniques

Proper Planning Is Important Ø Do you need to lift the item manually? Ø How heavy is it? Ø Where are you moving the item from? Ø Where does it have to go? Ø What route do you have to follow?

Mechanical Aids n n Dolly Handtruck Forklift Assistance by another employee PUSH don’t Pull

Proper Lifting Techniques n n n n n Squat to lift and lower. Do not bend at the waist. Keep your low back bowed in while bending over. Keep the weight as close to you as possible. Bow your back in and raise up with your head first. If you must turn, turn with your feet, not your body. Never jerk or twist! Put the weight down by keeping your low back bowed in. Keep you feet apart, staggered if possible. Wear shoes with non-slip soles.

Risk Factors for Back Injury during Lifting n n n n Lifting with your back bowed out. Bending and reaching with your back bowed out. Slouched sitting. Twisting or jerking movements. Lack of proper rest. Obesity and poor nutrition. Stressful work and living habits.

Lifting Posture Wrong Way Right Way

Promotional Ideas n n n n Newsletters Smoking Cessation Health & Wellness Fairs Stress Management Fitness club discounts Blood drives Health Screening

Municipal Utilities Board of the City of Albertville Making Us Better Employee Wellness 2005

Our Employees n n n 11 Females, 72 Males 84 % Married 71% have children at home 25% 10 lbs or more overweight 46% over 40, in five years 58% over 40 933 years of experience, 50% have 10+ years of experience

Attendance Program n n Implemented in 2000 Total decrease in sick leave usage in Five years 26% Usage in 1999 was over 6, 000 hours, now is 4, 500 hours a savings of 7, 500 hours in five years. An increase of 3. 6 years in productivity

Attendance Incentives n Perfect attendance receives $120 gift certificate n n n n 2000 7 people with perfect attendance 2001 9 2002 8 2003 16 2004 17 Employee with lowest usage in a group without perfect attendance receives $20. Group with overall lowest usage receives $20.

Safety Program n Last Lost Time Incident Electric 2003 n Wastewater 1999 n Water 1997 n n Total Days without lost time Electric 500 days n Wastewater 2000 days n Water 2750 days n

Rewards for days without Lost time n n n n $25 meal gift certificates are given for every 250 days 1000 days $25 gift certificate 1500 days $50 gift certificate 2000 days $75 gift certificate 2500 days $100 gift certificate 3000 days $125 gift certificate 3500 days $150 gift certificate

Annual Safety Review n n n 2000 11 claims 2 lost time 2001 15 claims 4 lost time 2002 7 claims 1 lost time 2003 9 claims 1 lost time 2004 2 claims 0 lost time Employee receives a $20 gift certificate for working incident free and an additional $20 if the whole group works incident free.

Workers Compensation Premiums 3 yr Losses n n n n 1994 $62, 409 1995 $58, 106 1996 $68, 065 1997 $51, 236 1998 $60, 362 1999 $72, 455 2000 $77, 904 2001 $84, 736 2002 $64, 036 2003 $70, 473 2004 $64, 929 2005 $68, 943 2006 estimate $58, 000 n n n n 1999 $281, 125 2000 $319, 512 2001 $303, 028 2002 $112, 486 2003 $ 79, 777 2004 $ 73, 663 2005 $ 55, 479 2006 $ 4, 507

Employee Rewards n n n Luncheon Employee Slide Show Door Prizes n Trips to Gatlinburg n TV’s n DVD Players n Computers Rewards n T-shirts n Stainless steel travel mugs n Beach towels n Coolers n Fleece Blankets n Golf Umbrellas n Stainless steel thermos n Emergency Car Kit n Gym Bags Gift Certificates

Sucesses of Program n n In the five years of the program, MUB has given gift certificates totaling $17, 840. MUB’s estimated savings in productivity, and workers compensation premiums $250, 000.

Current Activities n n n Annual Safety & Attendance Banquet Annual Health Screenings Annual Flu Shots Zoll AED units being placed in all locations (8 in place, 4 more ordered) On site Safety Classes 6 per year Monthly Health & Safety Handouts

Proposed Activities n Partnering with Occupational Health Group of Huntsville to provide Wellness Services Personal Wellness Profile n In depth Health Screening n Wellness Training n Stress Management n Nutrition n Cancer Prevention n Fitness & Exercise n

Gym Membership n Paid Employee Gym Memberships Local Gyms range from $15 to $30 per month. n Employee joins gym of choice and MUB is invoiced monthly for membership. n Estimated MUB monthly expense $1, 000. n