Wellness

I've never met Danna Korn, but after spending just 25 minutes speaking with her, I believe her company - wellness program vendor Sonic Boom, in Carlsbad, Calif. - is aptly named. Recalling from middle school science that a sonic boom is the thunderous sound created from shock waves when an object is moving faster than the speed of sound, Korn's approach to wellness and her views on traditional programs likely will send shock waves through the industry.

Although for the most part still in their infancy, global wellness programs are beginning to catch on. Unlike U.S. wellness initiatives that are driven largely by fighting rising health care costs, in Asia, the motive is a need to compete for top talent, and European multinationals are focused on reducing absenteeism and improving employees' health and safety, according to Towers Watson. Whatever the reason, formulating a global health strategy means balancing a universal mission with local realities.

One of every seven cancer patients spends more than 20% of his income on health care and insurance, according to a new study from federal researchers.

At Rood & Dax Advanced Insurance Services in Sacramento, Laurie Rood and partner Gayle Dax approach client wellness plans by creating a comprehensive culture that uses both technology and personal interaction to foster a healthier, happier workplace. "Especially nowadays when people aren't willing to pay a lot of money for things, we have set a lot of our clients up with the idea that they are creating a wellness culture in which to operate to keep their employees happy and healthy and wanting to come to work," says Dax.

Over the last three months, I've questioned the validity of health risk assessments and the ability of biometric-screening data to powerfully track wellness program performance. This has prompted many readers to ask, "So what do you suggest instead?" If you think that tracking wellness program performance, return-on-investment and cause-and-effect is impossible, think again.

It was the best of times. It was the worst of times. It was the day we announced that those who use tobacco will pay higher health plan premiums than their tobacco-free counterparts.

With the summer season upon us, your and your employees' thoughts likely have turned to where you'll be spending your vacation time. Perhaps you enjoy lounging on the beach, soaking up the sun, while you bury yourself in a good book.

We all know that employee wellness is the buzz in many organizations. In fact, a recently released health and productivity survey by Willis North America's human capital practice showed that senior leadership commitment to improving employee health significantly increased to 42% in 2010, compared with 6% in 2009

The National Business Group on Health honored 48 U.S. employers for their ongoing commitment to promoting healthy work environments and encouraging workers to live healthier lifestyles.

Brokers must work with employers to focus on engaging employees in wellness programs, advised speakers at a recent webcast from MIT.

The Council for Disability Awareness has developed the Disability Counter on their website. This new tool graphically illustrates the growing number of working-age Americans who experience a disabling illness or injury lasting for 30 days or longer.

Extensive business travel is associated with poor health and obesity, according to a study published in the April issue of the Journal of Occupational and Environmental Medicine.

A newly formed employer-led organization will help public and private organizations maximize their return on investment in onsite clinics, pharmacies and fitness and wellness centers.

Almost half of all adults worldwide suffer from headache disorders, such as migraines and tension headaches, and the problem has huge economic and societal costs, the World Health Organization said on Tuesday.

This article is the third in EBN's year-long BeneFIT Success series, which chronicles employers and employees in their individual and organizational wellness triumphs. The first installment, "Uphill battle, downhill momentum," was featured in the March EBN and the second, "Popular wellness program proving to be common link for diverse employee population," appeared in EBN April 15. Both articles are available at ebn.benefitnews.com, keywords "benefit success series." Learn more about how to submit your company as a candidate for the series at the end of this article.

Have you ever wondered, "Can we really measure the improvement in health that comes from wellness programs?" Most companies are using biometric screenings as their key tool for measuring health, on the assumption that it accurately measures the kind of health that matters most. Think again.

Lately, it seems as though a week doesn't go by without a survey inquiry from a neighboring city or county about how Palm Beach County is encouraging or mandating employees to quit smoking.

What would you say if you had the opportunity to benefit from a full-blown wellness program, including a health coach — for free? Here’s your chance — we’re in the process of launching the 2011 EBA Wellness Challenge, starting with recruiting a benefit broker or adviser to participate in it.

More than 80% of the nation’s businesses with 50 or more employees have some form of health promotion program, according to the Wellness Council of America, and this trend is growing.

In the voluntary benefits business for more than a decade, Nashville's Karen Quigley knows a tidal change when she sees one. With carriers increasingly entering the core voluntary market, and health care reform looming large, Quigley knew it was time to adapt.