WORKFORCE WELLNESS
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According to Thomson Reuters, the six behavioral risk factors used to measure employee wellness include:
Biometric Factors
- Body Mass Index (BMI)
- Blood Pressure
- Total Cholesterol
- Blood Glucose
Other Risk Factors
Between 2005 and 2009, the US Workforce Wellness Index worsened,
declining from 86.4 to 84.4
The US Workforce Wellness Index, in 2009, states that approximately 14 percent of incremental direct healthcare cost in the employed, privately insured workforce is attributable to the six behavioral risk factors for which we have reliable national measurements. This represents approximately $670 in incremental healthcare costs annually per worker.
The risk factor with the most impact on healthcare cost is high Body Mass Index (BMI). High BMI accounts for approximately $400 of the cost associated with measured behavioral risk factors in 2009. High blood glucose level is the second most significant factor, nearly $150 of these costs. Starting an exercise program and a healthy diet will help descrease these high risks like diabetes and obesity.
Risk Factor
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High Risk Definition
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Obesity
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Body Mass Index (BMI) > = 30
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Blood Pressure
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Systolic > = 140 mm Hg or diastolic >= 90 mm Hg
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Cholesterol
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Total Cholesterol > = 240 mg/dL
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Blood Glucose
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Total Blood Glucose >= 126 mg/dL
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Tobacco
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Currently smoke cigarettes or use any form of tobacco
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Alcohol
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More than 2 drinks per day
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For more information on our Healthy Living Program contact TBR Associates today.
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Healthy Living News
Created by
TBR Associates
September 2011
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