The researchers also used a Wellness Inventory Survey (WIS) to gather data and provided incentives such as time off or the chance to win prizes for participating in the survey and other aspects of the health and safety program.

The survey includes questions about absenteeism (time away from work due to illness) and presenteeism (unproductive time spent at work due to health or personal situations that make it hard to concentrate). During the study, the percentage of employees with normal blood pressure increased from 28 percent to 37 percent and the percentage with normal blood glucose (sugar) increased from 43 percent to 58 percent. The percentage of non-smokers increased from 86 percent to 89 percent.

Employees also reported feeling better about themselves, with a significant increase in the percentage describing their health status as "excellent or very good," jumping 22 percent from 41.7 percent to nearly 51 percent.

"We are planning to continue to work with modifiable risk factors because we think it benefits both the employees and the employer," Clark said.

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Contact: Karen Astle
karen.astle@heart.org
214-706-1392
American Heart Association
10-May-2007