| Strategies to improve employee and population health |  |
| Wellness Programs & Trends |  |  |
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- Wellness programs dominated by dietary health, report says
Employee wellness programs are dominated by dietary health and related diseases but smoking-cessation initiatives have shown the most progress, according to a report from the Workplace Wellness Alliance, a consortium of companies from around the world. The report said the return on investment for wellness programs includes more than just money saved and can also be measured in better employee engagement and productivity. HI-Mag.com
(1/23), Workplace Savings & Benefits online
(1/23)     
- County clinic helps workers comply with wellness mandate
The new employee health clinic in Glynn County, Ga., will help implement the county's wellness program, which requires workers who receive health insurance benefits to get physicals and screenings. Employees who do not participate will pay more for health insurance and those who do will get coaching to help them address medical concerns brought to light by the screenings. The Brunswick News (Ga.)
(1/24)
| Fitness | | |
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- 20 to 40 minutes of aerobics daily may cut diabetes risk
Obese children who had 20 minutes or 40 minutes of daily aerobic exercise showed lower body fat and visceral fat levels and significant improvements in insulin resistance compared with those in the control group, a study indicated. The findings in the Journal of the American Medical Association demonstrate that exercise may help curb diabetes risk in patients even at modest daily levels. Medscape (free registration)
(1/23)
| Health News & Research | | |
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- Driving to work may contribute to weight gain, study says
A study of 822 adults found those who drove their cars to work each day gained on average 3 pounds more over four years than noncar commuters, even accounting for weekly exercise. Researchers reported in the American Journal of Preventive Medicine that a combination of active transport and exercise may be the best way for people to get enough physical activity for weight maintenance. Health Behavior News Service
(1/22)
- Risks for female smokers reach a new high
Female smokers face higher mortality risk from lung cancer and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease than they did two decades ago, according to a study in the New England Journal of Medicine, demonstrating risk on par with that of men. The shift is likely explained by women starting smoking at younger ages. However, a second study in the same journal emphasized that although lifelong smokers lose about a decade of life compared to those who never smoked, quitting can help give years of life back to patients. "You're never too old to quit," said Dr. Michael Thun. WebMD
(1/23), HealthDay News
(1/23)
| Schools & Community | | |
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- Miss. school's food pantry keeps students fed after hours
After a faculty member at Ocean Springs High School in Mississippi learned that a student did not have adequate food over the weekend, she and others started a school pantry. School staff and local businesses help keep the pantry stocked, and organizers say they try to make the process as private as possible for those in need. "Ultimately and foremost, our responsibility is the safety and well-being of our students," principal David Baggett said. "I wish we didn't live in a society where we have to worry about a child not eating, but unfortunately we do." The Sun Herald (Biloxi-Gulfport, Miss.)
(1/15)
| Wellness Industry Developments | | |
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 | Share Ideas at AHIP's Dual Eligibles Summit
AHIP's Dual Eligibles Summit, March 12 in Washington D.C., will showcase initiatives and partnerships that are demonstrating success in achieving better care integration for dual eligibles, and improving care, access, and cost savings. Click here for details and click here to register.
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| AHIP News | | |
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Apply today to the Disparities Leadership Program
The Disparities Solutions Center is now accepting applications for the 2013-2014 Disparities Leadership Program. This year-long executive education program is designed for leaders from hospitals, health plans and other health care organizations who wish to implement practical strategies to identify and address racial and ethnic disparities in health care, particularly through quality improvement. Applications are due on Feb. 8. Apply today.
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Improve your ACA knowledge with new online courses
For a better understanding of the Affordable Care Act, register for AHIP’s new ACA Compliance Online Series. Available course topics include Medicare, Exchanges, the Summary of Benefits and Coverage, and Accountable Care Organizations, with more programs planned in the near future. Earn one credit per course toward the Healthcare Compliance Professional designation. Get details.
| SmartQuote | | |
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--Daniel Schorr,
American journalist
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| AHIP Solutions Team |
Managing Editor, Online Publishing:
Yvonne Chanatry
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| | Recent AHIP Wellness SmartBrief Issues:
- Wednesday, January 23, 2013
- Tuesday, January 22, 2013
- Monday, January 21, 2013
- Friday, January 18, 2013
- Thursday, January 17, 2013
| | | Lead Editor: Kathryn Doherty
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