NEWS - JUNE 2008

WELLNESS

From biofeedback to massage and corporate programs, wellness is a hot topic. The driving forces behind the buzz are 1) cost-effectiveness to reduce health care expenditures and 2) lifestyle changes that can improve an individual's health profile (e.g., smoking cessation, weight loss, etc.).  The following abstracts offer an overview of recent wellness news.

CapMed's Health Assessment System 

Demand is rising for wellness programs, according to a pre-conference press release issued by CapMed (Newtown PA).  A global survey from October 2007 estimates that 87% of employers who participated in the study offer wellness programs, with the primary strategic objective being lower health care costs. CapMed's alliance with StayWell Health Management provides health assessment through Personal Health Records (PHR), which enables end-users to track their health and wellness information.  Alerts, educational components, and reminders personalize the process, and other tools integrate and present data from various sources (e.g., authorized access for caregivers and providers, data import from remote monitoring devices, etc.).

For more information, visit: CapMed.

Dubai's Cube Combines Medical Spa & Sports Services

In conjunction with Schletterer Wellness & Spa Design, BMG Group is developing an innovative Sports Medical Spa in Dubai Sports City.  The Cube will combine condominium residences, full hotel services, and a lifestyle-sports facility in an atmosphere that offers a wide variety of "well-being" options to choose from: Active exercise zones; cardio, kinesis, and weight training; ayurveda, beauty, cosmetic, herbal, salt, and steam treatments; medical and preventive health care; oxygen infusions; physiotherapy and rehabilitation; etc. 

For more information, visit: AME Information.

Gordian Health Solutions' Research Identifies Wellness-Oriented Employees

A health status review of approximately 1.3 million employees was conducted by Gordian Health Solutions Inc. (Nashville TN) to determine which employees are most likely to sign up for health coaching.  The surprising finding was that those at higher risk for health problems responded fastest, which should reassure employers who may be questioning the value of their corporate wellness programs.

For more information, visit: Nashville Business Journal.

Proprietary Program Launched By Wellness Corporate Solutions

A new "proprietary wellness methodology" was launched by Wellness Corporate Solutions (WCS) in mid-June 2008.  Well Employee Solutions supports employers' efforts to design year-long programs, and WCS claims attribute Well Employee Solutions' success to elements emphasizing the three stages of employee wellness: Identification, Modification, and Prevention. Corporate Risk Profile, Mitigation Strategy, and Well Employee Model components incorporate tools such as biometric screening, interactive health coaching, and online/onsite options.
For more information, visit: Wellness Corporation Solutions.

Sutter's Newly Opened Biofeedback Lab (Lakeport CA)

For muscle relaxation or stress reduction, officials at Sutter Lakeside Hospital and Center for Health (Lakeport CA) are encouraging community members to make an appointment to visit its newly opened biofeedback lab.  After an orientation session, the biofeedback program is self-guided, enabling users to become aware of and potentially influence automatic bodily functions such as muscle tension, rapid breathing, etc. Scientific studies confirm the idea that individuals can exert control over internal functions.  Biofeedback involves monitoring equipment that measures and displays breathing rate, heart rate, skin temperature, and sweat response parameters. 

For more information, visit: Lake County News.