New IHRSA Economic Benefits of Regular Exercise Helps Improve Employee Health and Bottom-Line
BOSTON – The International Health, Racquet and Sportsclub Association (IHRSA) announces the launch of the 2009 IHRSA Economic Benefits of Regular Exercise, a publication that highlights how exercise can help companies improve employee health.
Caterpillar’s “Healthy Balance Program” helps employess modify health-risk behaviours, reduce health risks, improve long-term health and reduce health care costs. Programs include personalized education, phone coaching, on-site classes, newsletter and referral to community programs. the company anticipates a savings of $700 million by 2015.
Health care expenditures in the U.S. constitute the highest percentage of gross domestic product than any country in the world. They have reached $2.2 trillion and are expected to nearly double by 2017. This publication will help companies reduce or eliminate outrageous health care costs by focusing on prevention through exercise.
At Dupont in Delaware, each dollar invested in workplace health promotion returned $1.42 over two years in reduced absenteeism costs. Abesenteeism dropped 14% at sites offering the health promotion program versus a 5.8% decline at sites without the program.
“Instead of spending on treatment, companies can save money by helping their employees adopt healthier lifestyles including regular exercise which strong scientific evidence clearly illustrates is a powerful preventative medicine. Partnering with health clubs can make exercise more affordable and accessible to employees and improve the overall health and productivity of an organization,” says Jay Ablondi, IHRSA executive vice president of global products.
Coca-Cola reported a reduction in health care claims of $500 per employee with 60% participation in an exercise program.
With this data in hand, club owners and staff will be positioned to make a strong case to business owners that partnering with their health club is the best way to lower health care costs, reduce absenteeism and increase employee productivity and morale.
MDS Nordion’s comprehensive workplace program helped reduce employee absenteeism from 5.5 to four days per year and cut turnover to half the industry average.
Economic Benefits of Regular Exercise can be purchased at www.ihrsastore.com or by calling 888-229-5745. Each order includes 100 copies to distribute to businesses in your community. Also included is a free PDF entitled Building a Corporate Wellness Program, A Guide for Club Owners and Operators with each order. The cost for 100 brochures is $59.95 member price/$79.95 non-member price. The PDF is $29.95 member price/ $49.95 non-member price.
Irving Paper Ltd. offers its 375 employees a gym membership subsidy and programs for exercise, weight loss, nutrition and smoking cessation. The company swa short-term disability costs drop by more than 50% between 1995 and 2000.
More report statistics will be posted in the May Issue of FitNet
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April 2nd, 2009 at 1:30 pm
Educational statistics
thank you