May
18
2015
We’ve spoken before of the improved productivity of healthy workers (as compared to their less healthy peers). But unlike the direct cost savings of preventing injuries and decreasing worker’s compensation claims, this topic can be a little more difficult to measure.
Apr
30
2015
The term “wellness program” can mean something a little different to everyone. It can very often mean something completely different to management than it does to the employee participants.
So let’s clear up some of the confusion. The definition of a wellness program from healthcare.gov is this:
So let’s clear up some of the confusion. The definition of a wellness program from healthcare.gov is this:
Apr
22
2015
Recognized for Wellness
Written by Jackie Bracey
Check out our recent recognition in a local publication. Therapy & Rehab Solutions is our first wellness client (and parent company), and they (we) have achieved amazing results with their team. Read more about their honor here.
http://www.501lifemag.com/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=4935&Itemid=27
http://www.501lifemag.com/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=4935&Itemid=27
Apr
09
2015
The True Cost of Diabetes
Written by Sandy Greeson
The CDC estimates that 29.1 million people (9.3% of the U.S. population) have diabetes. We’ve been hearing for years about the obesity epidemic in our country, and with that comes a host of other related health problems such as this. But of those people who have diabetes, 27.8% of them are undiagnosed.
If you have been diagnosed with diabetes…
· You can expect to pay about 2.3 times more in healthcare expenses than if you didn’t have the disease.
· Your average yearly medical cost will be about $13,700; $7,900 of which is attributed specifically to diabetes.
· You will spend more time in doctors’ offices, picking up prescriptions and testing supplies, and monitoring your health.
Diabetes costs us nationally $245 billion; 1 in 5 healthcare dollars in the US.
· $176 billion in direct medical costs
· $69 billion in reduced productivity. To break this down further:
o increased absenteeism ($5 billion)
o reduced productivity while at work ($20.8 billion)
o reduced productivity for those not in the labor force ($2.7 billion)
o inability to work as a result of disease-related disability ($21.6 billion)
o lost productive capacity due to early mortality ($18.5 billion)
Doesn’t it make sense to invest in preventing this epidemic? Simple measures can reduce the risk of diabetes (and heart disease), including:
· Maintaining a healthy weight
· Eating well
· Increasing physical activity
Easier said than done? Consulting with a professional (exercise specialist, registered dietitian, or your physician) is your best bet, along with being surrounded by like-minded individuals. I think it’s easier to stay away from the donuts when the people I’m hanging out with are eating greek yogurt and almonds…don’t you? For more helpful hints on decreasing your risk for diabetes check out our previous blog on nutrition misconceptions.
If you have been diagnosed with diabetes…
· You can expect to pay about 2.3 times more in healthcare expenses than if you didn’t have the disease.
· Your average yearly medical cost will be about $13,700; $7,900 of which is attributed specifically to diabetes.
· You will spend more time in doctors’ offices, picking up prescriptions and testing supplies, and monitoring your health.
Diabetes costs us nationally $245 billion; 1 in 5 healthcare dollars in the US.
· $176 billion in direct medical costs
· $69 billion in reduced productivity. To break this down further:
o increased absenteeism ($5 billion)
o reduced productivity while at work ($20.8 billion)
o reduced productivity for those not in the labor force ($2.7 billion)
o inability to work as a result of disease-related disability ($21.6 billion)
o lost productive capacity due to early mortality ($18.5 billion)
Doesn’t it make sense to invest in preventing this epidemic? Simple measures can reduce the risk of diabetes (and heart disease), including:
· Maintaining a healthy weight
· Eating well
· Increasing physical activity
Easier said than done? Consulting with a professional (exercise specialist, registered dietitian, or your physician) is your best bet, along with being surrounded by like-minded individuals. I think it’s easier to stay away from the donuts when the people I’m hanging out with are eating greek yogurt and almonds…don’t you? For more helpful hints on decreasing your risk for diabetes check out our previous blog on nutrition misconceptions.
Mar
18
2015
Common Diet Misconceptions
Written by TRS Staff Member
Spring Break is upon us. How many of you are guilty of aimlessly dieting the few months leading up to swimsuit season? Or how many of you are guilty of looking up “quick fixes” online for weight loss? Hundreds of results will appear on the internet now-a-days: ranging from “don’t eat carbs,” to “cut out dairy,” to “eat more protein to build muscle,” or “take xyz weight loss pill.” The problem with these so called “quick fixes” is that they are not only unrealistic, but they are also unhealthy in the long term.
