Blood Pressure

Dog lovers already know their favorite furry companions are special.

But it’s more than just their infectious enthusiasm and ever-wagging tails that makes them that way. In addition to providing unconditional love and loyalty, dogs can help keep their owners healthy.

For example, did you know that Fido can lower your blood pressure? Or that … Continue Reading »

This one’s for you, chocolate lovers. The results of a new study indicate that a daily dose of the sweet stuff may decrease your risk for heart attack and stroke by almost 40%!

German researchers studied the diet and exercise habits of 20,000 people over the course of eight years and found that those … Continue Reading »

Calculating the cost of diabetes goes far beyond what can be measured in dollars.

While the monetary expenditures are eye-opening–totaling approximately $116 billion, according to the American Diabetes Association–the indirect costs of the disease are just as troubling.

American Diabetes Association statistics indicate that diabetes accounts for 15 million lost workdays and a startling … Continue Reading »

Would your employees know if they had high cholesterol?
High levels of cholesterol in the blood—hypercholesterolemia—is a major risk factor for coronary heart disease.
Heart disease is the leading cause of death in America, and a major cause of disability. More than $432 billion a year in healthcare is spent on heart disease alone, according to the … Continue Reading »

Are your employees in need of a little flex time?
Workers who have more control over their schedules and workdays saw improvements in both mental and physical health, according to a recent study by UK researchers.
Here’s the scoop: Situations that gave the employee more control over scheduling showed positive effects on health, particularly with regard to … Continue Reading »

Want to perk up the mood around your workplace and create a healthier bottom line for your company?
Take your employees out to lunch or provide them with a healthy snack.
The right ingredients can give a boost in energy and attitude that can’t be beat.
And studies show that a healthy diet also boosts productivity: Employers spend … Continue Reading »

Damaging behaviors like smoking, Internet overload, stress, and overall bad lifestyle choices can hinder productivity and drive up health care costs for your business.
Here are a few tips on how to help employees curb bad habits in the workplace:
Smoking. U.S. businesses are paying an estimated $3,391 extra per smoker per year in direct medical costs … Continue Reading »

The CDC says that 36% of U.S. adults did not engage in any leisure-time physical activity in 2008. Urging regular exercise is nothing new given America’s hefty overweight and obesity statistics. But even lean, inactive men and women are at higher risk of death and disease. The emphasis should not necessarily be on obesity, but … Continue Reading »

We’ve probably all thought about our personal resolutions for 2010.
But have you considered doing the same for your wellness program? Here are some smart monthly suggestions to help keep the focus on good health all year long!
January: Remind employees about the importance of preventive screenings. A thorough exam by a primary care physician and the … Continue Reading »

Researchers agree: Good communication equals a better work environment.
But did you know that mixing a little humor into everyday conversation also helps  increase productivity? A recent study in the Journal of Business Communication found that when leaders used humor and laughter during challenging situations, employees were more motivated and more invested in resolving the problem.
Laughter … Continue Reading »