One would think that health insurance companies would be motivated to encourage better eating habits and healthier life style choices in general.  Many are not yet.  However, as Michael points out, if insurance companies can no longer impose pre-existing condition limitations or adjust their premiums to compensate for poor health and therefore high claims, this may shift.

One  can only hope. Big Food vs. Big Insurance

Dr. Dana E King, a professor of Family medicine at the Medical University of South Carolina, reviewed and compared 2 National Health and Nutrition Examination Surveys, one from 2001-2006 and the other 1988-1994.  Participants are middle aged males and females.

• Smoking decreased from 27% to 26%
• Moderate drinking increased from 40% to 51%
• Obesity rate increased from from 28% to 36%
• Americans eating 5 fruits and vegies a day decreased from 42% to 26%

Dr. King suggests that fruits and vegetables are the markers for a healthy diet.  “Not eating them is reflective of a decline  in diet over 18 years.”

More evidence for the need to encourage wellness strategies in favor of pharmaceuticals.

Bad Habits Asserting Themselves

Companies today carefully calculate their bottom line, and the current cost of health care is of global concern. Yet, how often is one important ingredient—STRESS—factored in?

The Gallup Organization Well Being Index, the country’s largest poll of health and well-being, polls at least 1,000 adults daily. Here are some of their recent findings:

—Almost 40% of those polled said they were significantly stressed the day before.

—Two- thirds reported at least one chronic health problem, including hypertension and high cholesterol.

—28% claimed they were not well rested.

—Two-thirds of working adults are overweight or obese.

Based on responders’ answers, the impact of negative work environment alone results in 12.3 million sick days a month nationwide amounting to about $14 billion a year in wages.

In addition to these statistics, The American Psychological Association published in October 2007 an online study reflecting the responses of 1,848 adults. Their findings include the following:

—77% experienced physical symptoms during the last month as a result of stress

—73% experienced psychological stress during the last month

—74% find work a significant source of stress

—48% of adults lay awake at night because of stress

—43% overeat or eat unhealthy foods because of stress

—55% reported varying degrees of lost productivity while at work during the past month

—7% have sought professional support during the past year

To help us evaluate the financial impact of these findings, let’s consider one chronic illness, diabetes.

The prevalence of diabetes is increasing, partly as a result of obesity. According to the American Diabetes Association, the total annual economic impact of diabetes in 2007 was estimated to be

$174 billion. This figure includes medical costs, indirect costs related to increased absenteeism, reduced productivity, disease related unemployment disability, and loss of productive capacity due to early mortality. According to the ADA, 20% of health care dollars is spent caring for someone with diabetes.

The impact of stress on diabetics is well documented. Not only does stress directly impact blood sugar control, but, when stressed, people use unhealthy coping mechanisms such as overeating, smoking and drinking alcohol. Stress also directly impacts the immune system which inhibits healing.

Wounds heal much more quickly in the absence of stress as shown by Janice Kiecolt-Glaser , Ohio State University School of Medicine, who observed that a pencil eraser size wound took 9 days longer to heal in a group of care givers who were under stress.

If we were to integrate stress management techniques and lifestyle changes into the care of diabetics, the savings could be astronomical.

Let’s consider more facts from “Stress in America”. People are losing sleep as a result of stress. People overeat and experience cravings when they have too little sleep. Sleepiness can lead to disruption of family life, an elevated rate of auto accidents (as much as 7 fold increase) occupational accidents, impaired immune function and increased cardiovascular events.

Forty-three percent of those surveyed reported overeating in response to stress. We see the cycle continuing ad infinitum: people experience stress, overeat in response, become obese, are at greater risk for type 2 diabetes, cardiovascular issues and orthopedic issues.

What do we do with this information?

Employers are paying a large portion of these costs in the form of absenteeism, presenteeism (employees who come to work ill, share that illness with others, and are less productive), health insurance premiums and Worker’s Compensation premiums. They are also in a position to reduce the stress reported by 74% of the APA survey who say that work is a significant source of stress in their lives.

If you are an employer, please consider becoming pro-active in implementing changes.

Consider the following interventions personally and for your company’s wellness program:

1. Schedule time to meditate daily.

The Wall Street Journal, November 5, 2004, Scan of Monks’ Brains show Meditation Alters Structure and Function, talks about Neuroplasticity “ the brain’s recently discovered ability to change its structure by expanding or strengthening circuits that are used and by shrinking or weakening those that are rarely used. Just as aerobics sculpts the muscles, mental training sculpts gray matter in ways scientists are only beginning to fathom.”

For those who find it difficult to meditate, consider starting with “Peace of Mind”, a relaxation CD for anxiety. It is simple, easy to use and cost effective. It’s available at www.atlanticcomplementary.com.

2. Develop a culture of empowerment and responsibility.

3. Provide encouragement and opportunities for employees to adopt healthy habits.

4. Mediate differences of opinion.

5. Ask employees for input and hear their response.

6. Create a comfortable and peaceful work environment.

Incorporating these simple and cost effective actions can and will have a huge impact on personal lives, productivity and ultimately costs associated with health care.

References:

Gallup Organization Well Being Index, Gallup Organization and Healthways, Inc.

www.gallup.com/poll/106756/GallupHealthways-WellBeing-Index.aspx

Stress In America, October 24, 2007, American Psychological Association Report

www.apa.org

Direct and Indirect Costs of Diabetes in The United States, American Diabetes Association,

www.diabetes.org-statistics/cost-of-diabetes-in-us.jsp

I am very excited to say that our company is now a vendor for a well known and respected health insurance company.  The plan is for this company to provide our “Preparing For Surgery” CD to each patient approved for a surgery and to provide CD’s to patients with chronic illnesses through the Case Management Department.

If you represent a health insurance company, Military Hospital, VA Medical Provider or pharmaceutical company we would love to share with you our plan to enhance your image and improve outcomes.

Atlantic Complementary Medical Solutions, LLC Click on the 3 minute presentation about the Medical Benefits of Hypnotherapy.

Stay tuned as we document a significant return on their investment in terms of lower claims costs and enhanced corporate image.

“Native Hawaiians have the highest diabetes mortality rate of any ethnic group in the state. 47 deaths per 100,000 population. That compares with 7 for whites, 19 for Japanese, 22 for Filipinos and 32 for ‘others’.”

Dr. Wilfred Fugimoto, a diabetes expert and retired endocrinologist, points out the behavioral changes this population has experienced. “Pictures from the old days show Hawaiians were all pretty lean and muscular, and now there is increasing evidence of being overweight.  The lifestyle of the Pacific people has changed.  They don’t have to fish or farm.  Walking long distances is not part of their usual lifestyle any more.”

For me, this is another example of the importance of paying attention to the basics of health and wellness.  Nutrition and exercise are so important.

Link to Hawaiians Dying Young of Diabetes

Stay tuned.