A chuckle a day keeps the doctor away. It’s really true! And there are a lot of simple things we can do – and your employees can do – to stay healthy.

In this edition of Take Control, we will take a look at four fundamental components of living a healthy lifestyle and offer strategies and statistics to help you and your employees succeed with your healthcare goals. Studies show there is a direct correlation between embracing wellness and lowering health care costs. So here’s to your health!
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Cardiovascular disease claims about 500,000 women's lives a year – that’s more than the next five causes of death combined. And, one in four males has some form of cardiovascular disease. To combat these statistics, the American Heart Association offers a myriad of resources to help you and your employees reduce your risk of heart attack and heart related diseases.

• Practical online health tools that evaluate your heart health
• Fun and useful tips on how to make diet and nutrition simple and delicious
• A guide to make healthier decisions while enjoying a meal out; everything from Cajun to Japanese; French to Vietnamese

On average, health care claims costs for employees who exercised one or two times a week are $350 a year less than those who don't exercise at all. Unfortunately, over 60% of American adults are not regularly active.

The benefits of a regular exercise routine include controlling cholesterol, alleviating stress, reducing blood pressure, cutting risk for heart attack, lowering or controlling weight, lifting your mood, and decreasing depression and anxiety. What’s more, employees who exercise regularly are less likely to have common on-the-job injuries. Building strong muscles can help avoid back and leg injuries and muscle strains. What more reasons do you need?

The American Council on Exercise (ACE) provides short articles that present the latest research and trends to guide you in creating and maintaining a successful exercise program. Topics include Exercise Essentials; Top 6 Fitness Myths; and Three Weeks to A Healthier Heart. Our favorite --- Be a Tortoise; Not a Hare! Why not share these with your employees – a new one every week!
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$300 billion, or $7,500 per employee, is spent annually in the U.S. on stress-related compensation claims, reduced productivity, absenteeism, health care costs, direct medical expenses (nearly 50% higher for workers who report stress), and employee turnover.

To ease office stress, allow yourself a break every two hours to recharge your batteries. Use this time to:

• Take a walk
• Get a drink of water
• Stretch at your desk
• Unclutter your desk
• Practice breathing exercises; inhale through the nose and exhale through the mouth several times slowly and fully while sitting up in your chair relaxing your muscles and closing your eyes
• Prioritize your work tasks by making a written list then check each task off once it is completed – it’s a satisfying feeling

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We have all heard the startling statistics. Smoking-related diseases claim an estimated 438,000 American lives each year, including those affected indirectly, such as babies born prematurely due to prenatal maternal smoking and victims of "secondhand" exposure to tobacco's carcinogens. If you quit smoking today you will likely prolong your life; improve your sense of taste and smell; improve your health; save money; and look better.

The American Cancer Society makes a bevy of information available to help smokers kick the habit including a toll-free number to speak with someone who can help. Help your employees help themselves.

AND don’t forget to chuckle.