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