21 May

Let’s Get Physical: How Workplace Fitness can Help U.S. Adults Meet Physical Activity Requirements

Posted by Health Innovation Blog in Employer Health, Health Innovation. Tagged: , , , , .

workplace fitnessOlivia Newton-John was apparently on to something. We, as a country, are in dire need of getting physical. In 2008, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) published “Physical Activity Guidelines” which concluded that aerobic and muscle-strengthening physical activities provide substantial health benefits to adults. Their guidelines for minimum participation, still regarded as effective today, include:

  • 150 minutes/week of moderate-intensity aerobic activity such as walking or 75 minutes/week of vigorous aerobic activity, such as jogging
  • At least two days a week of muscle-strengthening activities

Recently, the CDC did a study to see how many U.S. adults were meeting these guidelines. Unfortunately, the results are quite dismal:

  • Only 20.6% of U.S. adults met both aerobic and muscle-strengthening guidelines
  • Only 29.3% of U.S. adults met the muscle-strengthening guidelines
  • Only 51.6% of U.S. adults met the aerobic activity guideline

These results make it no wonder that as a nation we are facing alarming obesity rates and rising health care costs. With most adults spending 40+ hours a week at work, there is an opportunity for employers to help encourage their employees to engage in physical activities. The good news is not only will this help employees improve their health, but research has also shown that encouraging exercise at work improves productivity. Here are a few ways employers can help encourage engagement in physical activities:

Leadership Support – Even if your office has a fitness facility or walking opportunities, many employees are hesitant to engage in these activities during work hours, out of fear of being viewed as ‘not working’. To remedy this, organizations should have leaders being visible and vocal participants, creating a culture that is encouraging and supportive of a work/exercise balance. 

Health Champions Network – Each office has its own culture and opportunities to encourage engagement in physical activities. By having local health champions encouraging and promoting workout facilities, walking breaks or running clubs, will help provide visibility and awareness to physical activity opportunities.

The Power of Social – Social health is a valuable way to help keep people motivated and accountable for their participation in physical activities. From, formal corporate challenges, to walking groups, or simply a workout partner, finding others with similar goals can help people stay on track when their commitment begins to waver.

Let us know – how has fitness been incorporated into your workplace?

14 May

Health & Wellness News: Forget About the Cool-Down, Power Foods, Pets Boost Heart Health, Secret to Long Life?

Posted by Health Innovation Blog in Health Innovation. Tagged: , , , , , , , , , .

Skip the Post-Workout Cool-Down? More Experts Say Yes!

bikedFor decades we’ve been told that after a hard workout, you should cool down by slowing down to a less rigorous workout to prevent muscle soreness and improve limberness. In 2012, the Journal of Human Kinetics published a study finding those who cooled down post-workout actually had more pain than those who didn’t. Read on to find out more. ViaNew York Times.

Power Foods For Your Brain

ForkYou are what you eat? Vegetarian activist Dr. Neal Barnard believes that avoiding all animal products and eating a healthy diet of fruits, vegetables, legumes, nuts, and whole grains can protect the brain from developing dementia. In addition, he also shares that very few of us are deficient of minerals, but rather many of us have too much due to the over-fortification of foods. ViaBoston Globe.

Pets May Boost Heart Health, Association Says

Light BulbThe American Heart Association recently released an official statement that “Pets don’t just make lives fuller. They may help make them longer.” According to the study, owning a pet (especially a dog) can have heart health benefits. This study is in addition to two other studies that found healthy benefits of having apetordog. ViaUSA Today.

The Secret to Long Life? Bacon, Says 105-Year-Old

Fork“I love bacon, I eat it everyday,” 105-year-old Pearl Cantrell from Texas boasts. She claims that her bacon habit has helped her get through the hard times. However, it is probably more like that Ms. Cantrell’s longevity can be attributed to her remaining physically active through yard work and dancing, as well as staying socially engaged. The reason? Much scientific evidence has shown eating fried and salty foods that are more prevalent in southern states, results in Southerners having a 20% greater risk of dying from a stroke than the rest of the average population. ViaCBS News.

Time to Weigh In: Have you ever noticed if you have more or less pain after a workout if you cool down after rigorous exercise? Run a test and see for yourself! Have you found that you have more focus and energy when consuming particular foods? What are they? What do you think it is about dogs that have the potential to make humans live longer?

7 May

“Dirty” Little Secret – Is the Bacterium in Your Body to Blame for Increased Cardiovascular Risk?

Posted by Health Innovation Blog in Health Innovation, Personal Health. Tagged: , , , , , , , .

DobroHIBRecently astudy by the Cleveland Clinicand astudy published in the New England Journal of Medicineinvestigated how the interaction of various foods with naturally occurring bacteria in our bodies impacts cardiovascular risk. The specific molecules that were focused on in the studies were carnitine, which is prevalent in red meats and lecithin (and its sub-chemical choline), which is found in egg yolks and other foods.

While studies analyzing the impact an individual’s diet has on cardiovascular outcomes have been prevalent, this is the first time that the focus was on the role of the body’s bacteria with regards to heart disease. Interestingly, it appears that the physiology of the body may actually have as significant an impact on heart disease as a person’s cholesterol and fat intake.

The outcome of both studies found that when carnitine and lecithin interacted with our bodies’ natural intestinal bacteria, a chemical byproduct called TMAO (trimethylamine N-oxide) spiked. Previous research has shown that increased levels of TMAO have been linked to heart attacks and strokes, independent of cholesterol levels.

Findings from the studies showed that short-term antibiotic administration can reduce the bacteria load and in parallel reduce TMAO levels. However, long-term administration did not seem to have the same effect.  More interestingly, it was found that vegetarians have lower baseline levels of TMAO than their meat-eating counterparts. It is only once the vegetarians started to consistently eat meat that their TMAO levels begin to rise.

So what’s a person to do? The answer is probably as simple as moderation. Humans have evolved in an environment that was self-balancing. For the better part of our existence, our diets were predominantly plant-based as this was what was readily available, with meat being an occasional indulgence. Only recently did meat and processed foods become readily available on a consistent basis. As research continues to investigate how probiotics, antibiotics, medications and dietary supplements can control the bacteria associated with producing TMAO, there are some basic changes to diet that can help control TMAO levels. It appears that limiting the consumption of meat and egg yolks, both in portion size and occurrence, combined with an increase in consumption of plant-based foods, including nuts and olive oil, can naturally limit the levels of TMAO the body produces, helping reduce cardiac risk.

- Dr. Jeff Dobro, Chief Medical Officer, RedBrick Health

29 Apr

Get in the Zone: Four Tips for Creating A Healthy Workplace Environment

Posted by Health Innovation Blog in Employer Health, Health Innovation, Personal Health, Social Health. Tagged: , , , , , , .

Creating an environment supportive of healthy habits is a critical component in establishing a culture of health within an organization. While workplace wellness is a relatively new trend, healthy cultures are nothing new. There are longstanding cultures that have incorporated the key ingredients to living a long and healthy life that employers can look to for guidance.

Recently, Minneapolis-based Salo had their employees complete a mix of lifestyle and workplace habits, meditation, healthy eating and positive social interaction. At the conclusion, Salo found was that there was an impact on employee health, and the organization’s bottom line.

So how do you create an environment supportive of healthy habits? To simplify the process, we’ve compiled a list of four workplace wellness tips to help you get started.

Tip #1 – Time for a Little Social Competition

Health behaviors are contagious and influenced by those around us. Make being healthy a social and fun experience. Corporate competitions focusing on physical activity, proper nutrition or weight loss can help tap into social dynamics and provide support and motivation for those who may be reluctant to participate otherwise.

Tip #2 Slow it Down

It seems we are always in a rush, including often having little to no time to eat lunch. However, if you slow down the speed you physically eat your food, your brain will be able to signal you are full before it’s too late. When eating lunch, focus on eating at a controlled pace, so you can sense when you feel full instead of stopping when your plate is clean. You’ll be amazed that the proportion you think is adequate is most likely more than you actually need.

Tip #3 – Use Office Equipment as Part of Your Exercise Routine

You might have more time for exercise than you think. In less than 5-10 minutes you can squeeze in some basic exercise that will jumpstart your metabolism and make you feel healthier. Desk push ups, invisible chair sits and triceps dips all can be done with nothing more than your body weight.

Tip #4 – Keep Comfy Shoes at Your Desk

Now that the weather is warming up, taking a walk on your lunch break is the perfect way to catch some rays and stretch your legs. Walking for just 30 minutes per day in a five-day work week can burn up to about 2,300 calories alone.

Small steps can lead to big changes. We’ve shared some simple wellness tips, but want to hear from you. What have you started doing that has led to a positive and healthy work environment?

19 Apr

“It is easier to change a man’s religion than to change his diet.”

Posted by Health Innovation Blog in Employer Health, Health Innovation. Tagged: , , , , , , .

PJ4_2492

The 2013 RedBrick Health Client Advisory Council

At the Health Innovation Blog, we strive to continuously highlight the latest advancements in health and wellness. As we have discussed on this site,gamification,mobile adoptionandenabling technologyall have a powerful impact on changing a person’s behaviors. At times, what gets lost as we emphasize these innovations, is the influence an individual person has on helping others establish healthy habits.

Margaret Mead reminds us, “It is easier to change a man’s religion than to change his diet.” If anyone knows how true this wisdom is, it is the professionals working tirelessly each and every day within their organizations to help their fellow employees live a healthier lifestyle. Recently, at the2013 RedBrick Health Client Advisory Councilthose responsible for overseeing their organization’s health and wellness initiatives convened to discuss how to best shape healthy habits at the organizational level.

We all know changing health habits isn’t easy. Attempting to have tens of thousands people do it at the same time is even more daunting. After three days of discussions, it was agreed that regardless of organizational size, location or industry, the same challenges – creating a culture of health, connecting with a distracted workforce and communicating the value of the wellness program – are encountered. While technology can help in overcoming these obstacles, it takes a strong-willed person to spearhead these efforts each and every day. From everyone at the Health Innovation Blog, we recognize what you do and thank you for efforts and commitment to helping people be healthy.

12 Apr

Health & Wellness News: Exercise & Brain Function, Quit Smoking Aids, Wellness in the Workplace, Kids Meals Packed with Calories

Posted by Health Innovation Blog in Consumer Health, Health Innovation. Tagged: , , , , , , , , .

bikedExercising Just Twice A Month from Childhood ‘Improves Brain Function’

This new video from Telegraph.co.uk addresses the subject of the effect of exercise on brain function. A study was done on over 9,000 individuals beginning at the age of 11, and included monitoring at regular age intervals to monitor their levels of exercise. According to the results, participants that exercised two to three times per month or more, scored higher in tests than those who had not.

Light BulbTrying to Encourage Employees to Give Up Smoking?

If you’ve ever been a smoker or know someone who has, quitting can be a very difficult process. While smoking cessation programs have proven to be very successful, sometimes additional efforts may be needed. The FDA has recently said that smokers can safely use over-the counter gum, patches, and lozenges for a longer period of time than was originally recommended. Via New York Times.

GraphWellness in the Workplace:  Rewards & Penalties the Way to Go?

Most employers are in agreement that incentive-based wellness programs work. However, some critics believe that while wellness programs may lower participants’ healthcare costs, it will cause an increase in premiums for those who choose not to participate. This article shows two sides of the spectrum including the benefits of rewarding participants with incentives, as well as why making at-risk employees pay more will not pay off. Read on to find out more. Via Wall Street Journal.

ForkStaggeringly High Calories in Restaurant Kids’ Meals

While many large chain restaurants have begun adding healthier options for kids’ meals, it may not be enough.  In fact, some kids’ meals contain over 1,000 calories and include high amounts of sodium and fat.  The Center for Science in the Public Interest (CSPI) analyzed over 3,400 kids’ meals from 41 of the top chain restaurants and found some very interesting results.

Findings include:

  • 9 of the top chain restaurants’ meals do not meet Kids LiveWell standards
  • 50% or more had over 600 calories
  • 83% serve fried chicken entrees for children
  • 735 offer fried potatoes

One chain restaurant that did meet nutrition standards was Subway whose meals include apple slices, water, apple juice, or 1% low-fat milk. Via USA Today.

Time to Weigh In: What other factors (if any) do you believe contributed to the improved brain function of the nearly 9,000 participants tested from age 11? If you have quit smoking or helped someone else quit, what did you find to be the most effective means of sticking with a smoking cessation program? Do you believe that penalizing employees that choose not to participate in workplace wellness programs should be penalized?

4 Apr

Money Talks, Heavyweights Walk

Posted by Health Innovation Blog in Behavior Change, Employer Health, Financial Health, Health Innovation. Tagged: , , , , , .

Wellness IncentivesStill not sure about the effectiveness of employee wellness incentives? Maybe a new study conducted by the Mayo Clinic with its own employees may persuade you further.

As noted in the study, a group of 100 participants were studied over the course of a year. The participants, ages 18-63 with a body mass index (BMI) of 30-39.9 kg/m2 were assigned to one of four weight loss groups – two without positive incentives, and two with an opportunity to earn $20 in each month they met a goal of a 4 pound weight loss.

Over the year, the results were significant:  62 percent study completion in the incentive groups vs. 26 percent in the non-incentive groups.

The study was similar to RedBrick Health’s experience with incentives across its book-of-business population, which shows up to three times more participation in groups with meaningful, financially tied incentive structures in place.

What makes for an effective incentive structure?

Over time, data* has reflected a need for rewards to focus on three areas – relevance, comprehensiveness, and timeliness.

  • To be relevant, rewards must be tied to an action plan and must be personalized yet equitable across populations.
  • Comprehensive rewards must provide both extrinsic (i.e. financial) motivations, and intrinsic (i.e. outcomes) motivations for sustained engagement.
  • Timely rewards are presented at the time and identification of need, and rewarded as immediately as possible. Simple and direct rewards meet consumers at points along the way.

In short, incentives are taking weight off employees’ bodies and putting money in their pockets.  And we’ve pointed out how that’s a winning equation for the employer too. The only trick is to keep the celebration party healthy!

* 1.) Luley, Journal of Nutrition Metabolism 2010. Merrill, Public Health Management Practice 2011.  2.) Bloch, Obesity (Silver Spring) 2007. Seaverson, American Journal Health Promotion, 2009. Taitel, Journal Occupational Environment Medicine 2008. 3.) Finkelstein, Occupational Environment Medicine 2007. 4.) Volpp, New England Journal of Medicine 2009. Volpp, Journal of American Medicine 2008.

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