February 2012
When did Elevated Blood Pressure become the “Norm”?
Submitted by Karen Andalman on Mon, 02/27/2012 - 11:47amRecently I had the opportunity to attend a biometric screening for one of my clients. In addition to the venipuncture draw, the participants had their height and weight measured, as well as a blood pressure check. Quite of few had elevated blood pressures. Many of the comments we heard were:
“These numbers are my norm-it always runs like this so for me it is OK”
“I know it is on the high side but I don’t want to take blood pressure medication”
Or even scarier “my doctor knows about this and he is watching it”
I am concerned that people have a misconception that high blood pressure is OK. Because they are not experiencing any symptoms, then it is acceptable to go through life with high blood pressure. High blood pressure can be a “silent killer”. Untreated high blood pressure can put you at risk for heart failure, heart attacks, strokes, kidney failure or aneurysms.
Reward Employees that Meet Wellness Goals
Submitted by Karen Andalman on Mon, 02/06/2012 - 12:55pmWe are all children at heart. There is nothing more exciting than receiving presents or rewards for positive behaviors. This philosophy transcends into the arena of corporate wellness programs. People on their own are not necessarily motivated to make the changes that will improve their health. A wellness program that is well designed with appropriate incentives will increase employee participation. Increased participation should result in better outcomes; stabilize and lower claims cost.
