Tobacco Resources and Best Practices for Employers
By Kristin Lamb, CHWC The Indiana State Department of Health reports that employers are greatly impacted by the burden of tobacco use. The average annual healthcare cost associated with tobacco use in Indiana is $2.2 billion. Plus the average annual cost burden due to lost productivity related to smoking in Indiana is $2.6 billion. Luckily, […]
Wellness Screenings: Why They Matter to Employees and Why They Should Matter to You
By Brittany Wonnell, RD, CHWC After completing a biometric screening and taking a health assessment, your employees are now aware of their health. Awareness and receiving education is an important initial step in making healthy lifestyle changes. Carlo DiClemente’s Transtheoretical Model suggests that cognitive processes such as obtaining information and finding the benefits of changing […]
Why Data Matters
By Mark Smith, Director of Population Health PricewaterhouseCoopers (PwC) estimates that in 2016 total healthcare spending will increase by 6.5 percent from 2015. Even though this estimate greatly exceeds the overall consumer price index, the rate of growth in healthcare spending has steadily declined from 11.9 percent in 2007. Still, healthcare insurance premiums are a […]
Incorporating Ergonomic Stretches into Your Everyday Life
By Brittany Wonnell, RD It can be easy to learn ergonomic habits like sitting straight in your chair, pushing heavy carts instead of pulling and using your legs—not your back—when lifting heavy objects. But keeping up with these safe practices throughout the day can be difficult to remember. Almost all of us try to start […]
Ergonomics in the Workplace
By Ryan Lawson, exercise specialist Ergonomics is defined as the science of designing and arranging things to increase efficiency, safety and ease of use. When applied to the workplace, ergonomics is about fitting the task to the worker rather than forcing the worker to make modifications for the task at hand. By optimizing work functions, […]
5 Reasons Why You Shouldn’t Eat at Your Desk
By Katie Boscia, RD, IBCLC, CDE How many times have you decided to eat lunch at your desk in order to get more work done? Most people at one time or another have decided to eat lunch and continue working at their desks. But studies show that eating at your desk can be bad for […]
Integrating Technology with Wellness Programs
By Mindi Matthews, MBA, CHWC Smartphones, laptops and other devices are heavily used in today’s workplace. Well-configured applications can provide 24/7 engagement with employees on their health and wellness issues/goals. For example, reminders to go for a 20-minute walk, to drink 64 ounces of water, take a prescribed medication or schedule a follow-up visit with […]
Get Off the Couch and Explore Your Community
By Brittany Wonnell, RD Did you know Hamilton County has been ranked first in overall health outcomes for the past six years, according to countyhealthrankings.org? Whether you live or work close to Hamilton County, there are endless opportunities for you to improve your overall health and wellbeing. Get out of the house with your family […]
Exercise Your Mind with Yoga and Pilates
By Ryan Lawson, Exercise Specialist If you’ve considered joining a yoga or Pilates class, your reasons might be to strengthen your core or become more flexible. But in addition to the physical benefits of these classes, there are numerous mental health benefits. While Pilates focuses on the powerhouse areas such as abdominal muscles, lower back, […]
Tips for Mindful Eating
By Katie Boscia, RD, IBCLC, CDE Learning what you should eat is half the battle of living a healthier life. The other half is being present and paying attention to what you’re eating. Our world today is so busy, we’re constantly trying to save time. Whether it’s eating in the car while you’re taking your […]