"The only significant way to control employer healthcare
costs is for companies to adopt health promotion programs."
(Dee Eddington, University of Michigan School of Public Health)
Lifestyle diseases such as obesity, diabetes, heart conditions, smoking, and high blood pressure are all related to
physical inactivity and poor nutrition. Double-digit increases in healthcare costs and health insurance premiums have
put an unbearable financial burden on employers - especially Michigan employers.
Did you know that out of every 100 employees:
- 60 are sedentary
- 25 smoke
- 64 are overweight or obese
- 27 have active cardiovascular disease
- 10 have diabetes
- 50 have high cholesterol
- 24 have high blood pressure
- 50 are distressed or depressed
Why is prevention necessary?
- Chronic disease accounts for roughly 75% of health care costs per year
- Tobacco use costs the employer an estimated $1300 per year per tobacco user
- Overweight employees cost a company $200 a year more than the average employee
- 44% of companies offering health promotion activities report a reduction in healthcare costs
- 50% realize a decline in absenteeism
- 56% see an increase in productivity
By changing the way they live, Americans could change their personal health status, transform the health landscape
of the nation, and impact overall health expenditures.
Prevalence of Worksite Wellness
More than 81% of American businesses with 50 or more employees have some form of health promotion program.
For many companies, medical costs can consume half of corporate profits - or more. Some employers look to shifts
in costs. Only worksite health promotion stands out as the long-term answer for keeping employees well in the
first place.
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