Checkup

People don’t like to talk about cholesterol.

Maybe that’s because it usually means bad news. Although the waxy substance known as cholesterol serves a necessary function (helping the body build healthy cells), when the subject of cholesterol comes up, it’s usually centered around the negative aspects.

And those can be pretty serious. Too much cholesterol in the … Continue Reading »

Blood pressure is one of those things it’s tough to pin down accurately.

That’s because it fluctuates so often depending on what you’re doing, how you’re feeling, the amount of stress you’re under, and even your temperature and posture.

So a single high blood pressure reading doesn’t necessarily mean you’re on the road to a heart attack, … Continue Reading »

Do your employees know their digits? They should.

Being aware of your cholesterol numbers is the first step in controlling your levels so you can avoid serious consequences down the line.

Despite the word’s negative connotations, cholesterol itself is not bad. In fact, it’s a necessary substance for the body. The trouble comes when your levels get … Continue Reading »

Any workplace wellness program worth its salt encourages employees to see their doctors and get regular health screenings, right?

But as far as ensuring that your employees are actually making those appointments, arranging their busy schedules to accommodate them, and following through, it’s pretty much out of your hands.

That is, unless you bring the doctor’s office … Continue Reading »

Cardiovascular exercise has been proven to reduce life threatening diseases like heart disease and obesity, but did you know that it may also help make you smarter?
A recent study in the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences found that running positively impacts the brain by increasing cells in the hippocampus, or the part of … Continue Reading »

It has been a tough year. I suspect that very few folks would argue with that statement. The U.S. and world economy has taken a beating and are still trying to get up off the floor. More importantly businesses and employees, current and former, have been through the wringer as they try to adjust to … Continue Reading »

Despite an increase in smoking cession programs and statewide bans against the cancer causing habit, there has been almost no change, and maybe even a slight increase, in smoking today.

According to a recent study by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, about 20.6% of Americans were smoking in 2008, which is just a shade … Continue Reading »

We’ve all heard the news that preventive care (seeing a health care provider for regular screenings and checkups) can be cost-effective. But if employees don’t fully understand their health care benefits, how can they use them? Here are some suggestions to ensure that employees have the information they need:

Help new employees understand their health … Continue Reading »

You’ve done everything, from health fairs to wall posters, and you’re getting good participation in your wellness programs. But you believe you could do better. It’s just that you’re short on new ideas to push participation up.

Why not draw inspiration from some of today’s most successful organizations? Even companies with big budgets don’t overlook the … Continue Reading »

It’s not news that health insurance premiums continue to rise. Employers who pick up part of the tab are paying more and more for coverage — and promoting wellness and disease prevention is more important than ever. What is your workplace wellness quotient? Take a moment to make sure you’re doing all you can to … Continue Reading »