On Tuesday June 18th, 2013 the AMA determined that "obesity" is now considered a disease in the United States. I have to wonder what this will mean for the future of health care in this country and the future of wellness?
First as foremost, I want to believe that this change has been made to help create behavior change and support the goals of companies like Healthper. I want to believe that giving people greater access to health and wellness programs (with recommendations) from doctors and programs that will be supported by their insurance companies is a positive, however I am concerned that labeling obesity a disease, will allow those that are "afflicted" with an excuse to continue their poor behavior.
How do you change the average American's mindset? What can we do to increase their want vs. need to get healthy? Encouragement? Incentives? Social Engagement? Accountability? Here at Healthper, we believe that creating an environment that incorporates all of these strategies, plus a sense of self accomplishment can begin to create that lasting change.
The lasting effects of this new label still remain to be seen. We are not 24 hours out since this decision took place. My hope is that this "disease" that has become an epidemic across the US for not only adults but children, will be taken more seriously now that it is seen as life threatening disease.
Healthper enables your population to attain personal goals that increase productivity and reduce healthcare costs. Our platform applies a multi-dimensional engagement strategy that employs the science of gamification and incentive design, the reinforcement of social networks, robust communication tool set and device connectivity. For our clients and partners, it delivers lower healthcare costs, increased employee productivity, improved communication and loyalty.
Showing posts with label Overweight Americans. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Overweight Americans. Show all posts
Wednesday, June 19, 2013
Friday, December 23, 2011
Surprising Fact...Let's Change Together
Stop and think about the last time you made a personal change because you really wanted to. Does anything come to mind? Changing behavior is one of the hardest tasks to accomplish, but it can be done! Ultimately its about reinforcement and engagement. How can we start making changes in our lives that create balance and allow us to maximize our choices?
Surprisingly, 67% of American adults are overweight and over 60% do not incorporate exercise into their life. Even more shocking, is that over 20% are still smoking. Every day fast food restaurants are "creating" "healthier" menu options to lure customers in, but their calorie and fat laden meals are the anchors for which their patrons are visiting. Perhaps once in a while the customer may choose a salad or baked potato, but generally, they are there for the 65 grams of hamburger fat with a side of fries. It's fast and easy and convenient....but so is keeping fresh vegetables, salad and a fully cooked chicken breast in your refrigerator.
We have got to make a change! Diabetes and heart disease are real and they are preventable. Taking action to increase your activity and move the needle must become an important part of your goals in 2012. What makes us want to change? Start small...5 days...10 days...20...soon, it's 30 days and you are 5 pounds thinner and your energy level is through the roof and you have haven't visited your ex-favorite fast food joint.
Log your progress at www.healthper.com. Invite your friends and friends on your journey! Help them to create their own story of change. Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays...Until next time :)
Surprisingly, 67% of American adults are overweight and over 60% do not incorporate exercise into their life. Even more shocking, is that over 20% are still smoking. Every day fast food restaurants are "creating" "healthier" menu options to lure customers in, but their calorie and fat laden meals are the anchors for which their patrons are visiting. Perhaps once in a while the customer may choose a salad or baked potato, but generally, they are there for the 65 grams of hamburger fat with a side of fries. It's fast and easy and convenient....but so is keeping fresh vegetables, salad and a fully cooked chicken breast in your refrigerator.
We have got to make a change! Diabetes and heart disease are real and they are preventable. Taking action to increase your activity and move the needle must become an important part of your goals in 2012. What makes us want to change? Start small...5 days...10 days...20...soon, it's 30 days and you are 5 pounds thinner and your energy level is through the roof and you have haven't visited your ex-favorite fast food joint.
Log your progress at www.healthper.com. Invite your friends and friends on your journey! Help them to create their own story of change. Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays...Until next time :)
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