HealthMatters - Resources

Resources

HealthMatters Reporting Samples

HealthMatters Demo LinkPlease follow the link and instructions to review our online portal and take our online assessments.Sample Clinical Data Group Report Productivity and Economic Benefits Report Sample Paper Health Risk QuestionnairePlease note--any family history questions have been removed from the most current version of the paper questionnaire. This is just a sample for you to get an idea of the look and feel for the questionnaire itself.Sample Employee Personal Health Report Sample Employer Executive Summary Report Sample Employee Trend Report Sample Health Coach ReportThis report can be pulled by a health coach and comments or suggestions can be added by the coach for the participant.

*HealthMatters WellNews Articles

Does Work Make You Fat?Some scientific evidence supports employers’ efforts to manipulate the workplace environment in ways designed to help workers avoid unhealthful behaviors.The Business Case for WellbeingHaving high levels of wellbeing is good for people – and their employeesPresident Obama commits to continue to work with Congress to responsibly implement the Affordable Care Act, including the Prevention and Public Health Fund component.A Culture of Health There's no easy cure for escalating healthcare costs, but some experts say creating a "culture of health" can make a difference and point to several corporate examples as proof. Health and Wellness Go Hand In Hand for Employers and EmployeesIt’s mid-October and the hallmarks of fall - trees splashed in color, football conversations at the water cooler and pumpkins on front-door steps - are everywhere. Another staple of the season for many businesses and their employees is open enrollment for employer-provided health and dental plans. $31 million marked for wellness effortsHHS is awarding $31 million in Affordable Care Act funds to help communities across the country reduce obesity, increase physical activity and improve nutrition. Legislative Update: Healthy Kids Act goes into effect July 1, 2009The purpose of the Healthy Kids Act is to establish physical activity requirements for students in kindergarten through 12th grade and to establish nutritional content standards for food and beverages sold on or provided on school grounds during the school day. Colorado Allowing Incentive Based Outcomes for Wellness CDC launches health communication resourceIn August, The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) launched a new website called The Gateway to Health Communication and Social Marketing Practice. The site has a wealth of information from CDC and other public and private resources that can help public health partners build social marketing or health communication campaigns and programs Men Avoid the DoctorAbout half of men ages 18 to 50 don’t have a primary-care physician, and a third haven’t had a checkup in more than a year, a new survey shows. HHS Announces $103 million in Community Transformation GrantsOn September 27th, HHS awarded more than $103 million through grants which were established by health care reform's Prevention and Public Health Fund. Affordable Care Act helps improve the health of the American workforce, increase workplace health programs

Wellness Tools

Longevity CalculatorDepending on how you live, your body might be a lot younger -- or older -- than your driver's license indicates.Exercise Calories Burned CalculatorSimply enter your age, weight, height, gender and the time (in minutes) you spend doing the activity, and the program will automatically calculate calorie expenditure for all the activities below. How Long Would it Take Exercise CalculatorEver wondered how long would it take you to burn off the calories in the food you have just eaten or are about to eat? This calculator will automatically work out the time you need to spend working off that number of calories for a range of different activities.CalorieKing Food DatabaseFrom apples to Arby's you can find nutritional information on almost anything in CalorieKing's food database!

Wellness Vendor Partners

Iowa Hospital AssociationThe Iowa Hospital Association is the organization that represents Iowa hospitals and supports them in achieving their missions and goals.SimplyWell SimplyWell's Integrated Health Solutions product portfolio offers comprehensive solutions with proven results. SimplyWell Case Study: Greater Omaha Packing Company, Inc (GOP)Since implementing SimplyWell in 2001, GOP has experienced significant improvement in employee engagement as well as measurable clinical improvement.The Prevention PlanThis new healthcare program brings a team of medical specialists and tools into your life to focus completely on YOU and help you improve your overall health. Wellness Council of IowaThe Wellness Council seeks to accomplish its mission of Better Business Through Wellness by educating employers on how to create healthy work environments. Wellness Council of AmericaThe Wellness Council of America (WELCOA)is one of the most respected resources for workplace wellness in America.The Other Health PlanThe Other Health Plan is a comprehensive solution for health improvement at the workplace. Totally Coached, Inc.Their mission is to enable thinking better, together, to create healthier lives, healthier organizations, and a healthier world. Totally Coached, Inc. created the support methodology called Intrinsic Coaching®Health/Wellness AdvocateHealth Advocate, Inc., is the nation’s leading healthcare advocacy and assistance company, serving millions of Americans nationwide through its more than 4,300 client relationships helping members navigate the healthcare system through their full spectrum of time- and money-saving solutions. Wellmark Principal Wellness Company Dr. Becky Lang from LifeStrategiesBecky Lang, the founder of LifeStrategies, a coaching and speaking business which focuses on effective strategies for healthy living, conducts educational sessions on how to make goals that are behavior change oriented and not outcome based. She will help you take these goals and use strategies that will move your life forward.Tavi HealthTAVi Health is your partner in wellness and health promotion. Combining the resources of an exercise physiologist and registered dietitian, a therapeutic recreation specialist, and a quirky creative director, we develop unique and innovative wellness incentive campaigns.

Cancer

American Institute for Cancer ResearchAmerican Institute for Cancer Research is the cancer charity that fosters research on diet and cancer prevention, interprets the evidence, and educates the public about the results.American Cancer SocietyThe American Cancer Society is the nationwide, community-based, voluntary health organization dedicated to eliminating cancer as a major health problem by preventing cancer, saving lives, and diminishing suffering from cancer, through research, education, advocacy, and service.

Children's Health

Kitchen Kids: Nutrition Resources and InformationNutrition is an important part of education. Teaching our children about good nutrition from an early age will help them to develop and maintain a healthy lifestyle and avoid growing health concerns associated with a poor diet. To help teachers and educations capture the attention of their students, we have collected the following lesson plans, classroom resources, and kids-friendly activities to jumpstart the conversation about healthy living and proper nutrition.Let’s Move InitiativeLearn about the First Lady’s Let’s Move Initiative and ways you can help your community address food access and obesity. USDA child nutrition programs

Cold and Flu

Cold & Flu CareKit: Surviving the SeasonThis year, there will be 1 billion cases of the common cold and 95 million cases of the flu causing 36,000 flu-related deaths. Just in time for cold and flu season, the American Institute for Preventive Medicine provides the Cold & Flu CareKit: Surviving the Season. H1N1 Frequently Asked Questions Planning for a PandemicIn the event of an influenza pandemic, employers will play a key role in protecting employees' health and safety as well as in limiting the impact on the economy and society. Employers will likely experience employee absences, changes in patterns of commerce and interrupted supply and delivery schedules so proper planning will allow you to better protect your employees and lessen the impact of a pandemic on society and the economy.

Diabetes

American Diabetes AssociationThe American Diabetes Association is leading the fight against the deadly consequences of diabetes and fighting for those affected by diabetes. National Diabetes Information ClearinghouseThe National Diabetes Information Clearinghouse (NDIC) is an information dissemination service of the National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases (NIDDK).

Health Care

Bending The TrendAlthough wellness programs have the potential to bring down healthcare costs, determining whether they actually can do that can be tricky. America's Health Insurance Plans (AHIP)What Resources Do You Already Have

Healthy Happenings

Iowa sets goal to become the Healthiest StateOn August 10, 2011, Governor Branstad announces a new state-wide initiative.

Iowa Resources

Iowa Health Worksite ToolkitA Collection of Active & Eating Smart Tools for Building Your Worksite Wellness ProgramIDPH Receives Funding to Advance E-Health InitiativeThe Iowa Department of Public Health (IDPH) has been awarded $8,375,000 over the next four years to plan and implement Iowa’s statewide Health Information Exchange (HIE).Prevention and Chronic Care Management - First ReportFirst Report to the Director and State Board of Health in response to House File 2539: Iowa's 2008 Health Care Reform BillHealthy Polk 2020Every ten years, people who live and work in Polk County have the opportunity to participate in the development of a community health plan, Healthy Polk, which guides the use of community resources to support improved health and quality of life for the subsequent decade. Healthy Polk, with assistance from the Polk County Health Department, has launched the third such effort, Healthy Polk 2020.Wellness Council of IowaThe Wellness Council seeks to accomplish its mission of Better Business Through Wellness by educating employers on how to create healthy work environments. Iowa Department of Public HealthThe Iowa Department of Public Health (IDPH) partners with local public health, policymakers, health care providers, business and many others to fulfill our mission of promoting and protecting the health of Iowans.Iowa Health System of Des MoinesIowa Health System is the state's first and largest integrated health-care system, serving nearly one of every three patients in Iowa.Mercy Medical System of Des MoinesMercy is one of the Midwest’s biggest referral centers, offering a variety of specialty services that are unique to Iowa and the region. Iowans for Wellness and PreventionIowans for Wellness & Prevention is a not-for-profit organization dedicated to educating the public about the many benefits of wellness initiatives and preventative health care solutionsState of Tobacco Control 2008The American Lung Association has released its annual State of Tobacco Control report grading all 50 states and the District of Columbia, on their policies to reduce tobacco addiction, diseases and death. Click here to see Iowa's report card!Iowans Fit For LifeCommunity Wellness Grants are local initiatives that encourage healthier lifestyles, promote wellness and prevent the health and financial consequences of chronic disease that are often lifestyle related. The Health Promotion unit of the Iowa Department of Public Health administers the grant program funded by a blend of Iowa Health Care Reform and Federal Harkin Wellness Grant funding.

Legislation

Wellness Grants - update as of February 2011Learn more details about the proposed health promotion efforts in the 2010 Affordable Care Act.What the Affordable Care Act has in store for Health Promotion Federal Grants to Small Employers for Comprehensive Wellness Programs: Passed as Part of Health Care Reform

Obesity

Partners in Prevention 2005 Obesity Facts

Occupational

The Benefits Of WorkSmart Stretching For The WorkplaceAmerican business culture has long overlooked the importance of stretching to improve health and improve productivity. In this Special Report, expert Erik Nieuwenhuis, discusses the many benefits of WorkSmart Stretching. If your employees are required to sit at a desk all day, you won't want to miss this report. Environment, Health and Safety Online (EHSO)EHSO examine food safety, chemical sensitivity, chemicals in foods, asbestos in the schools and home, and specific issues that you raise by emailJ.J. Keller & AssociatesProvides a wide spectrum of safety, regulatory and information products/services along with complementary forms and supply products to customersU.S. Department of Labor Occupatonal Safety & Helath Administration (OSHA)Promoting the safety and health of America's working men and women by setting and enforcing standards

Other Resources

U.S Government Sets New Health Goals for 2020As 2010 winds down, the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) has announced its next set of 10 year goals for improving the nation's health, including making dents in rates of obesity, smoking and deaths from cancer and heart disease.American Dietetic AssociationWorld's largest organization of food and nutrition professionals committed to improving the nation’s health American College of Preventive Medicine Providing statewide leadership in promoting healthy, drug-free communities American Journal of Health Promotion Raising the standard of health promotion research and practice through publications, meetings and public service. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention CDC.gov is CDC's primary online communication channel and provides users with credible, reliable health information Health Enhancement Research Organization (HERO)Empowering Individuals Through Quality Networking, Education, Personal Development, and Professional Certification Institute for Health and Productivity ManagementCreated in 1997 to make employee health an investment in corporate success through enhanced workplace performance.National Institute of HealthThe nation’s medical research agency making important medical discoveries that improve health and save lives.National Mental Health Information CenterDeveloped for users of mental health services and their families, the general public, policy makers, providers, and the media.National Wellness InstituteProvides health promotion and wellness professionals unparalleled resources and services that fuel professional and personal growth. President's Council of Physical Fitness and SportsHealth, physical activity, fitness and sports information website of the President's Council on Physical Fitness and Sports.Substance Abuse & Mental Health Services AdministrationThis agency is focused on building resilience and facilitating recovery for people with or at risk for mental or substance use disordersThe Mayo Clinic Mayo Clinic is a not-for-profit medical practice dedicated to the diagnosis and treatment of virtually every type of complex illnessUniversity of Michigan's Health Management Research CenterWorld-wide leader in studying how health choices influence total health and productivity, quality of life, vitality and health care economics throughout a lifetime. U.S. Department of Health & Human ServicesThe United States government's principal agency for protecting the health of all Americans and providing essential human services, especially for those who are least able to help themselves.WELCOAThe Wellness Council of America (WELCOA)is one of the most respected resources for workplace wellness in America. World Health OrganiztionWHO is the directing and coordinating authority for health within the United Nations systemHealth Promotion AdvocatesHealth Promotion Advocates is a group of committed individuals who have formed an advocacy group to integrate health promotion concepts into national health policy. Our legislative priorities are to pass Heath Promotion FIRST Act (S.1001 & H.R.2354 in the 111th Congress) and Healthy Workforce Act (S.803 & H.R.1897).On-Deman HEALTH MediaOn-Demand Health Media, LLC is a health and wellness company with videos that are web delivered. Powerful videos and multi-media presentations are used to help individuals change their behaviors.

Programming Assistance

HealthyTrailsWhat could be more fun than tracking health improvement on interactive trails from all over the world? HealthTrails can address any combination of health practices — fitness, nutrition, stress management, or weight control. You decide what's important for your organization and we help you set up the model that's right for you. Ultimate flexibility and implementation ease.

Smoking Cessation

Fall 2010 Health Care Reform and Smoking Intervention DocumentThe Patient Protection * Affordable Care Act (PPACA) and a somewhat lesser known bill, the Mental Health Parity and Addiction Equity Act (MHPAEA) have the potential to significantly impact tobacco cessation benefits, as these laws provide improvements in coverage for and access to btoh preventive services and substance abuse treatments. Read more.The Mental Health Partiy and Addiction Equity Act: Key Elements & Implications for Smoking Cessation The Mental Health Parity and Addiction Equity Act FAQ American Lung AssociationAmerican Lung Association websiteMedline PlusDirects you to information to help answer health questions--this link will address quitting smokingWebMDWebMD provides valuable health information, tools for managing your health, and support to those who seek information.

Tools

Checklist: Physical Activity at Work Calculator: Cost of Physical Inactivity Sample Policy & Form: Exercise and Health Activity Time Guide: Creating Walking Maps Employer Medical Costs Expected to Rise 8.5% in 2012

Wellness Contact

HealthMatters Questions/Concerns

Workers' Compensation

NCCI Study Reveals Obesity Risks in Work CompThe implications of the increasing obesity trend for workers’ compensation are disturbing, and recent research confirms anecdotal data that work-related injuries are far more costly if the injured worker is obese.