That’s the scenario Don Powell, president of the American Institute of Preventive Medicine, explained would be the case if food costs had risen as quickly and sharply as health care costs over the last several decades.
At a Benefits Forum & Expo session on Monday, Powell made the case to attendees on the importance of wellness programs – although to be honest, I think he was preaching to the choir – by detailing the hellishly expensive grocery list.
In addition, he said, “we’d pay $80 for a dozen eggs and $14 for a pound of sugar.” On the other hand, a self-care guide that you can distribute to employees costs a mere $5 to $8 per copy, Powell said.
“Self-care guides influence wise consumerism, teaching employees when to go to the doctor, when to go to the ER and when they can treat themselves at home,” Powell said, adding that 25% of office visits are unnecessary and cost an average $121. Further, 55% of ER visits are unnecessary and cost an average $586 per visit.
So, who’s ready to start buying self-care guides as part of their wellness program? Sign me up, especially if $80 for a dozen eggs is the alternative.
