The University of Texas System Wellness Symposium March 19

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The University of Texas SystemWellness
SymposiumMarch 19 20, 2007

• Dan Stewart
• Assistant Vice Chancellor Employee Benefits and
  Services

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Panel Discussion Questions

• Why are wellness programs important?
• What are the challenges?
• What has been done?
• What have we learned?
• What does the future hold?

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Why Are Wellness Programs Important?

• Millions of Americans suffer from illness that
  can be prevented or improved through regular
  physical activity.
• 13.5 million people have coronary heart disease.
• 1.5 million people suffer from a heart attack in
  a given year.
• 8 million people have adult-onset
  (non-insulin-dependent) diabetes.
• 95,000 people are newly diagnosed with colon
  cancer each year.
• 250,000 people suffer from hip fractures each
  year.
• 50 million people have high blood pressure.
• Over 60 million people (a third of the
  population) are overweight.
• Source U.S. Surgeon General
• Physical Activity and Health

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Why Are Wellness Programs Important?

• 15 of U.S. adults engage in regular, vigorous
  physical activity
• 22 engage in regular, sustained physical
  activity
• 25 report no physical activity at all
• Only about 50 of our young adults regularly
  participate in vigorous physical activity
• Source U.S. Surgeon General
• Physical Activity and Health

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Why Are Wellness Programs Important?

• Management Perspective
• Decreased absenteeism
• Reduced medical claims costs
• Improved productivity
• Improved recruitment and retention
• Employee Perspective
• Improved health
• Extended quality of life and longevity
• Improved perception of employer

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What are the Challenges?

• ROI
• Federal and State Laws
• Facility Use and Modification
• Commitment of Leadership

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What Has Been Done?

• Increase Awareness of Wellness Issues
• Support of Health Management
• Promote Healthy Work Environment

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What Have We Learned?

• Wellness programs which include regular sustained
  exercise have the following benefits
• Reduces the risk of dying prematurely.
• Reduces the risk of dying prematurely from heart
  disease.
• Reduces the risk of developing diabetes.
• Reduces the risk of high blood pressure.
• Helps reduce blood pressure in people who already
  have high blood pressure.
• Reduces the risk of developing colon cancer.
• Reduces feelings of depression and anxiety.
• Helps control weight.
• Helps build and maintain healthy bones, muscles,
  and joints.
• Helps older adults become stronger and better
  able to move about without falling.
• Promotes psychological well-being.
• Source National Center for
  Chronic
• Disease and Health Promotion

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What Does the Future Hold?

• Do Nothing
• Health Maladies Worsen
• Healthcare Costs Beyond Comprehension
• Organizations Missions and Goals Altered

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What Does the Future Hold?

• Create Wellness Programs
• Health and Quality of Life Improve
• Healthcare Costs More Manageable
• Organizations Missions and Goals are Achievable