Good Health is Good Business

Do Incentives Impact Behavior Change? Dr. Kevin Volpp Explains.

admin — Fri, 23 Jul 2010 18:58:34 +0000

Many of the previous guests on the GHIGB show have stated that incentives are great for getting engagement; but not so good for achieving behavior change. Dr. Kevin Volpp, Director of the Center for Health Incentives, (www.med.upenn.edu/ldichi), focuses his research on the impact of financial and organizational incentives on health outcomes. Dr. Volpp discusses a recent intervention study on financial incentives and smoking cessation among employees at General Electric in which the results identified a tripling of the long-term smoking cessation rates. To hear what was unique in making this approach so successful and to hear the entire interview, click on this link: Good Health 07202010 Interview.MP3.

The hosts also asked Kevin what he found as the most successful engagement strategy to get members to participate in health and wellnes programs. Click on this link to hear his enlightening response: Good Health 07202010 Engagement.MP3.

The Burden of Eldercare on the Workplace! Veronica Woldt Explains!

admin — Thu, 08 Jul 2010 13:28:50 +0000

Two of the most important demographic trends that will impact the workforce are the growth in the number of workers with eldercare responsibilities, and the growth in the number of workers with both childcare and eldercare responsibilities. In fact, 35% of workers face daily eldercare responsibilities at some point during a given year. This caregiving results in employees being absent from work and less productive while on the job.

Veronica Woldt, a gerontologist and owner/principal of Corporate Eldercare Solutions, www.corporateeldercaresolutions.com, joined the show to discuss these growing trends and the business issues surrounding them. Ms. Woldt not only identified the affect that these demands have on the employer; but she provided some insightful solutions. To hear our inteview with Ms. Woldt, click on this link: Good Health 07062010 Interview.MP3.

The hosts also asked Veronica, “What has she found as the most successful engagement strategy to help corporation address the productivity and health issues related to eldercare concerns?” To hear her mult-step recommendations, click on this link: Good Health 07062010 Engagement.MP3.

Finally, on the show’s health tip segment, Dr. Dave and Steve offered advice from a new book, 35 Things to Know to Raise Active Kids, on volunteering with the elderly. Find out more about the book and how to share this family tip on this link: Good Health 07062010 Tip.MP3

Wellness Southern Style! Jan Carter and Mendi McDowell Explain!

admin — Fri, 25 Jun 2010 17:15:39 +0000

The Southern Company is a leading U.S. producer of electricity, owning electric utilities in four states. It has a strong, deep-rooted culture of employee safety. In 2005, the company extended that commitment and culture to the Wellness of its employees. They are implementing it – The southern way through a “Southern Lifestyle”. Jan Carter and Mendi McDowell are responsible for this initiative. They joined the show to describe their program’s strategies, goals, activities and results to-date. We encourage you to listen and learn the key factors to a successful wellness program within a large company. To hear our intervew with Jan and Mendi, click on this link: Good Health 06222010 Interview.MP3

The hosts also asked Ms. Carter and Ms. McDowell what they felt is the most successful engagement strategy to get members engaged in health and wellness activities. You’ll want to hear their very unique and insightful responses. Click on this link: Good Health 06222010 Engagement.MP3

Finally, on the show’s health tip segment, Dr. Dave and Steve shared information on two very important Fall events in the Atlanta area that all local businesses should participate in. Click on this link to learn more: Good Health 06222010 Tip.MP3

Wellness in the City – Implementing Health Promotion in a Municipality! Brenda Hall Explains.

admin — Sat, 12 Jun 2010 12:03:42 +0000

The City of Fayetteville, GA has implemented their wellness initiatives for several years; and are beginning to see the signs of success. Brenda Hall, the City’s HR Manager and Wellness Champion, and Charles Stanley, Director of Public Works, joined the show to share their perspectives on the details and success of the wellness program. Ms. Hall discussed the details of the program’s activity and incentive structure; while Mr. Stanley shared his personal transition from opponent to proponent of the program. To hear all of this engaging interview, click on this link: Good Health 06082010 Interview.MP3

The hosts asked each guest what they thought was the most successful engagement strategy to get their employees to participate in health & wellness. While comitted leadership was a key part of the answer, it wasn’t the only message they shared. Click on this link to hear their complete advice:

Finally, Dr. Dave’s and Steve’s health tips highlighted some upcoming Atlanta-area health events that all local businesses should share with their workforce. To hear about what your employees should be doing in the coming weeks, click on this link: Good Health 06082010 Tip.MP3

Wellness Works with Human Capital Initiatives! Dr. Rachel Permuth-Levine Explains.

admin — Thu, 03 Jun 2010 13:08:23 +0000

Dr. Rachel Permuth-Levine returns to GHIGB to update the listeners on the latest inititatives being implemented at the National Heart, Lung and Blood Institute’s Center for Employee Wellness and Health Promotion. Always willing to try new ideas, Dr. Permuth-Levine described the latest mentoring program in-place; as well as the importance of key strategic communications, and the integration of human capital initiatives. To hear all of Dr. Permuth-Levine’s interview and her programming recommendations, click on this link: Good Health 06012010 Interview.MP3

On her last appearance on the radio show, Rachel stated that “Social Support and Follow-up” were the most successful engagement strategies in getting members to participate in health and wellness programs. Listen to this link to hear what else she has to add: Good Health 06012010 Engagement.MP3

Finally, on the show’s health tip segment, Dr. Dave and Steve offered Summer-themed program ideas that worksite coordinators should be incorporating into their wellness programs. To hear their helpful tip, click on this link: Good Health 06012010 Tip.MP3

Improving Worker Health – the WorkLife Way! Dr. Casey Chosewood Explains.

admin — Thu, 27 May 2010 17:28:31 +0000

Dr. Casey Chosewood, Senior Medical Officer for NIOSH’s WorkLife Initiative, joined the show to share details on this new government endeavor. Casey explained that the goal of the WorkLife program is to sustain and improve worker health through better work-based programs, policies, and practices. As a result, NIOSH has funded three Centers of Excellence to support and expand multi-disciplinary research, training, and education in order to achieve these goals. To hear all of Dr. Chosewood’s interview and programming recommendations, click on this link: Good Health 05252010 Interview.MP3

The hosts also asked Casey what he believed to be the best engagement strategy to get individuals involved in a healthier lifestyle. Here’s the link to hear his unique and informative response: Good Health 05252010 Engagement.MP3

Finally, on the show’s health tip segment, Dr. Dave and Steve highlighted the value and importance of the Centers for Disease Control’s (CDC) website: www.cdc.gov. To hear the valuable resources that can be obtained by visiting this site, click on this link: Good Health 05252010 Tip.MP3

Quality Improvement Equals Health Improvement. Dr. Craig Becker and Dr. Mary Glascoff Explain!

admin — Wed, 12 May 2010 20:56:10 +0000

This week’s guests, Dr. Craig Becker and and Dr. Mary Glascoff, are professors in Health Education and Promotion at East Carolina University. Both have authored and lectured on the concepts of positive health and salutogenesis. In doing so, they are able to effectively demonstrate how to apply health promotion methods to the Quality Improvement System and Model long-established by Eward Deming. We encourage you to listen to this enlightening interview as Mary and Craig demonstrate a framework of interdependency of company performance (productivity) and employee health. Click on this link for the entire interview: Good Health 05112010 Interview.MP3.

The hosts also asked Dr. Becker an Dr. Glascoff, what they identified as the most successful engagement strategy to get members participating in health and wellness programs. Listen through this link to hear their unique and informative responses: Good Health 05112010 Engagement.MP3.

Finally, in the show’s health tip segment, Dr. Dave and Steve provided advice and information on a special discount program for companies who are proactively thinking about preparation for this year’s upcoming flu season. Click on this link to learn more: Good Health 05112010 Tip.MP3 C Becker M Glascoff

The Benefits of a “Home” Model to Integrated Benefit-Design. Dr. Barton Margoshes Explains.

admin — Thu, 29 Apr 2010 18:44:07 +0000

Dr. Barton Margoshes, Senior Medical Director with Aetna, joined the show to discuss Aetna’s “Benefit Home” model. This new concept from Aetna provides plan sponsors with an approach that integrates the availability, access, and use of all the plan benefits and services when interacting with the member. With increased member identification and engagement, the employee and employer all “win” through this unique model. To hear Dr. Margoshes explain all the details, benefits and results of the “Benefit Home”, simply click on this link for his entire interview: Good Health 04272010 Interview.MP3

The hosts also asked Barton what he felt was the most successful engagement strategy to get members participating in health & wellness. Click on this link to hear his thoughtful and thorough response: Good Health 04272010 Engagement.MP3

Finally on the show’s health tip segment, the Dr. Dave and Steve identified three upcoming national & local health events that all companies should be incorporating into their calendar of wellness activities. To find out what they are, click on this link: Good Health 04272010 Tip.MP3

Does Our Genetic Makeup Affect Our Ability to Lose Weight? Donna Israel Explains.

admin — Thu, 22 Apr 2010 11:56:07 +0000

Dr. Donna Israel, President and founder of Professional Nutrition Therapists (www.foodtherapyrd.com), joined the show to share her expertise in genetic nutrition. Donna is a nationally recognized dietitian who has authored books and program for lifestyle weight management and diabetes awareness. On the show, Donna described her latest project is focused on Nutrigenomics – the scientific link between nutrition and genetics. Dr. Israel’s inteview revealed: whether knowing your genetic disposition to weight management is important; does your genetic makeup identify which is the best weight loss program for you; and much more. To hear her interview, click on this link: Good Health 04202010 Interview.MP3

The hosts also asked Donna what she found as the most successful engagement strategy to get members to participate in health & wellness programs. Click on this link to hear her unique and insightful response: Good Health 04202010 Engagement.MP3

Wellness Programs for the Small Employer – the Solution is Simple! Arlene Singer Explains.

admin — Wed, 14 Apr 2010 13:18:48 +0000

Arlene Singer, co-founder and CEO of WellCall, www.wellcall.com, joined the show to announce their SimpleSolutons program. Designed for the small employer, (< 75 employees), this innovative concept is a wellness program in a “box”. SimpleSolutions includes many of WellCall’s effective health programs, including: an online health risk assessment, health coaching, behavior change programs and challenges, and more. All services are delivered to the worksite in a way that assists and minimizes the work of the company’s coordinator. To hear all the program details and Ms. Singer’s insights, click on this link: Good Health 04132010 Interview.MP3

The hosts also asked Arlene what she found as the most successful engagement strategy to get members to participate in health and wellness. To hear her unique perspective and response, click on this link: Good Health 04132010 Engagement.MP3