What's New | December 22, 2010

Workplace Wellness

Many workplaces offer programs for employees to support behavior change to improve their health and reduce associated health risks. Typical employee wellness activities include health fairs, health education, medical screenings, health coaching, weight management, wellness newsletters, and onsite fitness programs and/or facilities.

The featured Innovations describe workplace programs that address two common employee health problems—diabetes and substance abuse.

The featured QualityTools provide practical tools for employers to address overweight and obesity in the workplace and create a tobacco-free workplace.

Featured Innovations:

• Pharmacist Coaching and Waived Copayments Lead to Better Outcomes and Lower Costs for Employees With Diabetes

• Worksite Program Provides Strategies for Handling Stress, Reducing Problem Drinking and Psychological Symptoms

Featured QualityTools:

• Fit Together: You & Your Community
Developed by Blue Cross Blue Shield of North Carolina; North Carolina Health and Wellness Trust Fund

• LEAN Works! Leading Employees to Activity and Nutrition
Developed by CDC Division of Nutrition, Physical Activity, and Obesity

• The Tobacco-Free Workplace Toolkit
Developed by American Cancer Society

View Other Issues

Also in This Issue:

Innovations >

• 24-Hour, Bilingual Nurse Line Provides Advice and Interpreter Services for Plan Members, Leading to Wiser Decisions and Cost Savings

• Hospital Posts Appropriate Diet for Patient on Room Door, Reducing Diet-Related Mistakes and Nursing Interruptions

• Patient Flow Improvements Eliminate Ambulance Diversions and Reduce Waiting Times for Inpatient Beds

• Primary Care Physician and Health Coach Teams Improve Outcomes and Reduce Costs for Complex Patients

• Statewide Screening of Fifth Graders Leads to Identification and Treatment of Those With Genetic Predisposition to Early-Onset Heart Disease

• Weekly Parent and Child Sessions Focused on Mealtime Behaviors Increase Caloric Intake and Weight Gain in Children With Cystic Fibrosis

QualityTools >

• Be In CHARGE! Child Manual
Developed by Children's Hospital Medical Center, University of Cincinnati College of Medicine

• Be In CHARGE! Parent Manual
Developed by Children's Hospital Medical Center, University of Cincinnati College of Medicine

• Diet Wheel to Ensure Correct Patient Diets and Reduce Errors
Developed by Methodist LeBonheur Germantown Healthcare

• Treating Tobacco Use and Dependence: Quick Reference Guide for Clinicians
Developed by U.S. Public Health Service