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Employee Wellness Programs Are Largely Ineffective, Says Study

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Employee workplace programs

Companies have implemented employee wellness programs for years to encourage workers to improve their health. A new study has found that employers may want to take a second look at what they are offering because, by in large, the programs have been ineffective.

How Effective Are Employee Wellness Programs?

The study was published in the Tuesday edition of JAMA. It took a look at 33,000 workers employed by BJ’s Wholesale, a wholesale retailer, which offers a wellness program for its employees.

What researchers found was that, although employees learned more about exercise and watched their weight, there were no significant health benefits seen. Blood pressure, blood sugar, and other health measures remained about the same across the board. There was also no real change in health care costs, which is the main goal of employee wellness programs.

“These findings may temper expectations about the financial return on investment that wellness programs can deliver in the short term,” the study concluded.

Are Wellness Programs a Waste?

Currently, more than 82 percent of companies that have 200 employees or more, offer some sort of wellness program or health program. These may include “Stop Smoking” programs or weight management programs as well.

Typically, these programs are offered with some sort of financial perk as well. For instance, some companies will offer a gift card for jumping on the wagon to lose weight. Others might discount your health insurance.

Executives are establishing these wellness programs to cut down on the overall cost in health care. However, if they are looking for a way to save these employee wellness programs aren’t the way to go. “Wellness is this multibillion-dollar industry where there has been a really weak evidence base of what these programs do,” Dr. Katherine Baicker, one of the study’s authors, said.

However, that isn’t to say they aren’t doing any good. Employee wellness programs do seem to encourage workers to make positive changes where their health is concerned. Down the road, employers may see overall lower medical expenses. Dr. Zirui Song, another author of the study, notes that wellness programs are still a fairly new concept.

Successful Wellness Programs

Workplace wellness programs will differ from company to company. Some employers have been able to establish better, more effective programs than others. Depending on what employers are looking to accomplish, they can be extremely successful.

If the employer is solely looking for savings on health care spending, it is not clear that wellness programs will be beneficial. On the other hand, if they are looking to encourage their employees to be happier and healthier, these wellness programs can be great.

Readers, does your workplace offer a wellness program? Do you take part in it? 

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Measles Cases Have Tripled Globally: What Are Anti-Vaxxers Costing You?

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Measles cases

You’ve seen it every day in the news recently. Anti-vaccination efforts have ramped up diseases that were otherwise eradicated and people are getting sick. In some cases, they are dying. Measles cases alone have tripled around the world in 2019.

Measles Cases Are Up 300% Worldwide

That’s right – the upward trend in measles cases isn’t just happening in the United States. It is happening all over the world in all regions. Africa saw the largest increase in cases with a 700 percent increase in the first three months of this year, compared to the first three months of 2018.

“Preliminary global data shows that reported cases rose by 300% in the first three months of 2019, compared to the same period in 2018. This follows consecutive increases over the past two years,” the World Health Organization (WHO) said in a statement.

According to WHO, those numbers could also be drastically underplayed. Only one in 10 cases of measles are reported globally. However, the number of deaths and cases of illness continues to climb.

“While this data is provisional and not yet complete, it indicates a clear trend. Many countries are in the midst of sizeable measles outbreaks, with all regions of the world experiencing sustained rises in cases,” WHO stated.

The Rise in Measles Cases

This year, there have been 112,163 measles cases reported in 170 countries. At this time last year, there had only been 22,124 cases reported in 163 countries. And the numbers don’t stop there…

Since September, more than 800 people have died in Madagascar from measles alone. Outbreaks have hit a number of other underdeveloped countries, including Brazil, Pakistan, and Yemen, where a number of deaths have also occurred.

Even in places with high vaccination coverage, like the U.S. and Thailand, there has been an increased number of cases. WHO says this is because vaccination efforts have stalled at just 85 percent, falling short of what is needed. For vaccinations to prevent outbreaks, coverage needs to be at least 95 percent.

Some countries have rallied for the parents’ right to choose to vaccinate their children, ignoring the fact that a 95 percent vaccination rate is necessary for controlling outbreaks. Not only are anti-vax folks causing deaths, but they are also costing you some money.

How the Anti-Vax Movement is Affecting Your Wallet

When it comes to vaccines, not many people talk about the cost of anti-vaxxers to the economy. “It is extremely frustrating,” said John Wiesman, an epidemiologist. “To know the financial cost of this but also to know all the work that is not getting done, or getting backlogged.”

It isn’t unusual for an outbreak of preventable diseases, such as measles, to rack up a tall bill. For instance, a girl in 2005 caused an outbreak in Europe. To contain the outbreak, it cost more than $167,000. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, that outbreak took 3,650 work hours, 4,800 phone calls, and 5,500 miles of trips to find and contain the outbreak.

Another case in 2008 caused an outbreak of measles in two Tucson hospitals. Officials estimate it took $800,000 to control that case.

Both YouTube and Facebook have decided to begin quieting the voices of the anti-vaccination movement. YouTube has removed advertising from anti-vax videos, while Facebook has begun removing anti-vaccination groups and communities from its platform.

When it comes down to it, there is no debate to be had about the profound benefits of vaccines. More than 20 million lives have been saved from the measles vaccine alone since 2000. While some hesitation is understandable, lives are being put at risk and it is costing you cold, hard cash.

Readers, what do you think about the spike in measles cases? Is it something to be concerned about?

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You Are Probably Applying Sunscreen Wrong

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Applying sunscreen wrong

You are probably applying sunscreen wrong and you didn’t even know it. New research took a look at how people apply sunscreen and found most people are either missing their faces entirely or forgetting one crucial part.

How You Are Applying Sunscreen Wrong

Scientists at the University of Liverpool conducted a study involving 84 participants. The researchers wanted to see specifically how people were applying SPF to their faces. What they found was that most people were applying sunscreen and SPF moisturizers incorrectly.

Each of the participants was told to apply sunscreen and SPF moisturizers as they normally would. Afterward, they were exposed to UV radiation and had photos taken with a UV-sensitive camera.

While most participants felt they applied sunscreen correctly, they missed a crucial part: their eyelids (and sometimes their face entirely). The comparison between sunscreen and SPF moisturizer, according to the study, revealed participants missed greater areas when they applied moisturizer.

“People were applying cream (and) going out in the sun thinking they were protected,” Austin McCormick, one of the study’s authors, said. “And yet one of the most vulnerable areas was left unprotected.”

Eleven percent of participants missed their entire face when applying sunscreen. Nearly 17 percent missed their face using the moisturizer. Of those using moisturizer, 21 percent missed their eyelids, a crucial and commonly missed area of the face.

How You SHOULD Apply Sunscreen

These findings are especially important because the face (and eyelids) are high-risk areas for skin cancer. Some sun exposure is good for you but, if you are applying SPF, you are probably spending an extended period of time outdoors. So, it is important to know how to correctly apply the product.

  1. Most adults need one ounce of sunscreen to completely cover their body. That’s about enough to fill a shot glass.
  2. Be sure you rub the sunscreen into your skin thoroughly (you really shouldn’t still see white marks).
  3. Apply your sunscreen to all bare parts of your skin. Don’t forget areas like your eyelids, ears, top of your feet and hands, and the back of your neck.
  4. Put sunscreen on 30 minutes before you plan on heading out.
  5. Re-apply the same amount of sunscreen every two hours while you’re in the sun.

It is also recommended you use UV-filtered sunglasses, hats, and other items to protect you from the sun’s harmful rays.

If you are concerned about your skin’s health, watch out for changes in your skin. Anyone who notices a bump or lesion around their eyelids should be examined by a doctor. Skin cancer is usually detected late because many patients aren’t looking at their eyelids and other prone areas. However, if you take note of the guidelines above, you’ll seriously reduce your risk!

If you’re wondering about what sunscreen brand is best for your needs, check out our article “What’s the Best Sunscreen for the Summer?“

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5 Benefits to Look For This National Employee Benefits Day

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national employee benefits dayToday is National Employee Benefits Day — a day to recognize everything professionals do for the workforce and take a closer look at the benefits available ro today’s worker.

In most cases, employees only pay attention to their benefits when they make plan selections or change jobs. But, understanding what is out there is always beneficial. With that in mind, here are five benefits everyone should look for, either in your current job or the next one.

1. Medical and Prescriptions

In most cases, medical and prescription benefits go hand in hand. These plans not only help you control the cost of your healthcare needs, but they can also protect you against financial disaster.

Medical bills are one of the leading reasons for bankruptcy, so having sufficient coverage is a must.

2. Dental Coverage

While these don’t inherently go together, they are usually additional benefits beyond medical and prescription, even if they fall into a similar category.

Although there are ways to get free dental care, it doesn’t usually cover everything. The cost of dental care can be significant without insurance, so many people choose to skip treatments they can’t afford. Dental insurance helps offset these expenses, making your care more affordable. Ultimately, your oral health is important, so finding a job with dental benefits is always a smart move.

3. Vision Benefits

The same goes for vision plans. Whether you currently need corrective eyewear or not, neglecting your vision can have serious consequences. Without insurance, the cost of appointments, glasses, and contacts can add up fast. Plus, numerous conditions can affect the eyes, so you need to keep up with your exams.

Vision insurance makes it easier to stay on top of your overall health, so seek out these benefits when possible.

4. Retirement Plans

Saving for retirement is a must. If your employer offers a retirement plan, then keeping up with this form of savings is a breeze. Usually, you can have the monthly payment taken straight out of your paycheck. And, in some cases, you can get additional funds from an employer match.

Having an employer provide you with a retirement plan can be significantly more convenient than setting up one yourself. Plus, you’ll be much less likely to ignore your retirement savings, ensuring a more stable financial future.

5. Paid Time Off

Everyone has obligations outside of the workplace, and most people experience occasional illness. But, without paid time off, they can be hard to manage. You might struggle to make doctor’s appointments, handle the needs of your children, or simply to recover after getting sick if you can’t get away from work. But, with suitable leave, you can take the time you need without having to sacrifice anything from your paycheck.

What National Employee Benefits Day Is All About

Ultimately, National Employee Benefits Day is a great time to review what you have or what you want from your job. Not every company offers the same benefits, so look closely at their programs to ensure you get everything you need.

Which kinds of employee benefits do you value the most, readers?

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Lack of Z’s Costs the U.S. $411 Billion a Year: How to Catch Up on Sleep

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Catch up on sleep

There isn’t a single person out there that doesn’t wish they could get more done in a single day. Typically, when we are busy we let important health aspects of our lives slip, like diet, sleep, and exercise. However, lack of sleep is the only one that costs the U.S. economy $411 billion in lost productivity per year.

You read that right. Billion. Although it seems most of us are too busy for a good night’s sleep, consider one of these tricks to catch up on sleep.

The Impact of Sleeplessness

The reasons most of us don’t get enough sleep are plentiful. Whether it is your work/travel schedule, deadlines, bingeing TV, or other stresses of life keeping you awake at night, there is a huge impact on your overall health when you’re not getting enough rest.

Researchers at the University of Colorado Boulder took a look at a group of healthy adults who agreed to be examined in a sleep lab. Some of the individuals were allowed to sleep no more than five hours per night for five nights. They found the following to be true.

  1. Lack of sleep leads to weight gain.
  2. People who don’t get at least seven hours of sleep on a regular basis are more likely to become pre-diabetic.
  3. Your concentration and productivity will suffer when you don’t get enough sleep.
  4. There are ways to catch up on sleep and reverse these negative effects.

Strategies to Catch Up on Sleep

Researchers found that, although lack of sleep can have a negative impact on your health, you can make up for it. For instance, if you only got four hours of sleep last night, you can hit the bed early tonight and it will even out for your health and body.

Most people need seven hours each night or 49 hours per week. So, you can take naps and/or sleep in on the weekends if you aren’t able to get a full seven hours every day during the week. Here are a few strategies to help you catch up on sleep.

  1. Sleep in on the weekend, but be careful. You don’t want to overload on sleep. Too much will leave you feeling groggy.
  2. Take a nap. But make sure you don’t lay down after 3 p.m. If it is late afternoon, just wait until you’re ready for bed!
  3. Snooze after your cup of joe. This method is a “caff nap.” Coffee typically takes about 20 minutes to fully kick in, so you can take a quick nap and wake up energized. (This method is popular with people driving long distances.)

All in all, the long-term effects of not getting the proper amount of sleep can be detrimental. If you can, the best thing to do is carve out some time to catch up on sleep and practice self-care. Remember, you’re wasting time and money if you aren’t getting the proper amount of sleep each night.

Readers, how often do you get the recommended seven hours?

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New Guidelines Suggest Aspirin Has No Impact on Preventing Heart Attacks

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Aspirin

Stop wasting your money on aspirin! Recent findings have shown your daily dose of aspirin is, at best, a waste of money for healthy adults.

For decades, doctors have told patients a daily dose of aspirin could help you prevent heart attacks and heart disease. However, it is no longer being recommended as a preventative measure for older adults. According to guidelines released Sunday by the American College of Cardiology and the American Heart Association, the decades-old recommendation is no longer valid.

Like most things with medicine, doctors and researchers are learning more every day. Because of this, they regularly change health recommendations. European guidelines have warned against using anti-clotting medication (like aspirin) at any age.

“For the most part, we are now much better at treating risk factors such as hypertension, diabetes and especially high cholesterol,” said cardiologist Dr. Kevin Campbell. “This makes the biggest difference, probably negating any previously perceived aspirin benefit in primary prevention.”

Researchers pointed out clinicians should be selective in prescribing aspirin to individuals that do not have existing cardiovascular disease. It is more important for patients to focus on lifestyle changes, such as smoking and healthy eating.

Now, Dr. Campbell stated, it is now a class 2b recommendation, which means it isn’t necessarily the best course of action when it comes to preventing heart disease. The data simply isn’t definitive. All in all, doctors need to individualize treatment for patients.

That isn’t to say aspirin doesn’t have its benefits. For older high-risk patients (folks who have had a stroke, heart attack, or open-heart surgery), it can be life-saving. It can also help lower cholesterol and manage blood sugar. As long as the patient has no risk of internal bleeding, it should be safe.

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