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The University of Texas System Wellness Symposium March 19 – 20, 2007

The University of Texas System Wellness Symposium March 19 – 20, 2007. Dan Stewart Assistant Vice Chancellor Employee Benefits and Services. Panel Discussion Questions. Why are wellness programs important? What are the challenges? What has been done? What have we learned?

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The University of Texas System Wellness Symposium March 19 – 20, 2007

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  1. The University of Texas SystemWellness SymposiumMarch 19 – 20, 2007 Dan Stewart Assistant Vice Chancellor Employee Benefits and Services

  2. 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?

  3. 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”

  4. 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”

  5. 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

  6. What are the Challenges? • ROI • Federal and State Laws • Facility Use and Modification • Commitment of Leadership

  7. What Has Been Done? • Increase Awareness of Wellness Issues • Support of Health Management • Promote Healthy Work Environment

  8. 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

  9. What Does the Future Hold? Do Nothing • Health Maladies Worsen • Healthcare Costs Beyond Comprehension • Organizations’ Missions and Goals Altered

  10. What Does the Future Hold? Create Wellness Programs • Health and Quality of Life Improve • Healthcare Costs More Manageable • Organizations’ Missions and Goals are Achievable

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