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Worksite Wellness Program Helps Employees Make Significant Improvement in Health, Weight
September 09, 2011
BlueCross Wellness Program Improves Health, Lowers Premiums
For Becca Taylor, it's 95; Paula Hobbs, 105; and Christy Franklin, 67.
Those figures represent the amount of weight each woman has recently lost, through their own hard work and with the support of a worksite wellness program offered by their employer, State of Franklin Healthcare Associates.
In the past year, about 95 percent of SofHA's total employees participated in a pilot of Blue Cross Blue Shield of Tennessee's Well+Wise at Work program, which encourages improving employees' health and containing health care costs. Through the program, employees receive diet and exercise support, biometric screenings, reduced premiums — and in some cases, life-changing results.
Becca Taylor was spurred into making a change after seeing a picture of herself, something she said she tended to avoid. The OB/GYN employee began her weight loss journey on her own, but just as she hit a plateau, the Well+Wise program was there, she said.
"When the program started, I had reached a standstill, so it was a great way to keep me motivated," Taylor said. "I didn't give up. I'm competitive."
Her competitive spirit was fueled by an office "Biggest Loser" competition (she won), and she developed healthier habits with the help of co-workers.
Taylor's practice administrator, Sherri Hutchins, said the program is a boon for both management and patients.
Author: Kate Prahlad @ Johnson City Press
Source: State of Franklin Healthcare Associates
