On Site Wellness Programs in Corporate America Essay Example for Free

On Site Wellness Programs in Corporate America Essay On site wellness programs are now focal points in major corporate organizations in America, as company managers attempt to improve the health and well being of their employees, in order to control health care costs. Some health conditions can be diagnosed early by building health awareness among employees, and carrying out screening campaigns. Early diagnosis also ensures that health problems are treated on time, to decrease the risk of complications arising, thus reducing overall health care costs, and improving or maintaining employees’ optimal health status, and work performance. In the early 1990s, managed care plans were implemented, which helped in the control of increasing health care costs. Organizations continued throughout the 1990s to upgrade their health care plans, in an effort to further reduce health care costs. As we entered the beginning of the millennium, it became increasingly difficult for these modifications to contain the continuous rise in health care costs. It became clear that it was necessary have additional measures in place. Wellness in a corporate environment begins with a conscious decision to shape employees’ habits to fit into a healthy lifestyle. This conscious effort is a much better alternative in the long run, than dependency on drugs and doctors. This encompasses employee education, fitness, adequate and proper nutrition, stress reduction and mental health. Most times, employees in a corporate organization are plagued by Poor exercise habits, High stress levels, High cholesterol, Former or current use of tobacco products, and extreme weight (either too high or too low body weight). Employees whose lifestyles include health risks like smoking, drinking, and who get little or no exercise become overweight at a rate that is 75% higher than those of employees who participate in wellness programs and activities. High-risk employees at this Grand Rapids, Michigan-furniture manufacturing company who improved their health habits through the company’s health promotion program and became low risk cut their average medical claims in half thus lowering their medical insurance costs by an average of $618 per year. If all high-risk employees (20% of the total employee population) in one location changed their lifestyles to become low risk, the projected savings could total $20 million over three years. The Steelcase study that correlated health risk and lifestyle assessments with medical claim costs showed that employees who were high risk in 1985 but had shifted to a low risk profile by 1998 had much lower medical claims from 1988-1990. (2004). In 1985, Average annual claims increased from $1,155 to about $1,677. Medical claims also remained at approximately the same level for low risk employees, both in 1985 and 1988. But those who went from low risk to high risk in the same period saw an increase in their medical claims from about $655 to $1,513. Ten years into a 20-year study of Steelcase Inc, a conducted by the University of Michigan, the following results were evident high-risk employees who dropped to low-risk through participation in health and fitness programs at work decreased their average annual medical claims by 54 percent. In contrast, high-risk individuals who remained high-risk increased their costs by 26 percent. And low-risk employees who became high-risk increased their annual claims by 130 percent. To establish and continue with a corporate lifestyle that is consistent with wellness principles of wellness and well-being on a daily basis, is not an easy task . Most people who do not indulge in exercise and wellness activities say that they simply don’t have time to exercise. Indeed, various work-life surveys have shown that about 84. percent of employees in corporate organizations are in a constant struggle to maintain their fitness levels and their health. In 1999, a study on corporate wellness was carried out by the Lewin Group. This study confirmed that obesity among corporate employees greatly increases the risk of developing chronic heath conditions, and it was also discovered that about 22% of the working adult population have obesity related problems. Obesity and excess weight are directly responsible for 31% of health care costs in corporate America. The fifteen ailments involved in the study included breast cancer, arthritis, endometrial cancer, colorectal cancer, Type II diabetes, end stage renal disease, gall bladder disease, heart disease, hypertension, renal cell cancer, sleep apnea, liver disease, low back pain, urinary incontinence, and stroke. People with a BMI (Body Mass Index) that is above 35 are 6. 61 times more at risk of having Type II diabetes than people with a BMI that is less than 25. employees with high BMI are also 3. 77 percent more at risk of being hypertensive. Lifestyle related conditions are disorders that can be positively or negatively impacted by lifestyle behaviors such as eating habits, wellness checkups, exercise, safety habits, and alcohol and substance abuse. Other behaviors such as adherence to physician prescribed therapies and medication have a direct impact on outcomes and utilization. By practicing healthy lifestyle behaviors and adhering to prescribed plans of care, individuals can improve their health and decrease risk of illness, accident or injury. By doing so, related health care costs can be significantly reduced. Lifestyle Related Conditions also account for over 50% of health care related costs (CDC). Research indicates that early detection and/or practice of health promoting behavior can significantly decrease the severity of Lifestyle Related Conditions (hypertensives can be removed from medication, etc. ) or even prevent their occurrence (cancer, heart disease, etc. ). There are effective programs available that use the latest behavior change techniques that are designed to reduce risks and associated costs for illness, prevent illness, and help individuals develop patterns of behavior that enhance their health. It has also been found that one in every four Americans suffer from have high blood pressure but 35% are undiagnosed (AHA). Undiagnosed individuals sometimes end up in emergency situations or when diagnosed, their illness is at a more costly, critical stage like bone fracture, stroke, heart attack, late stage cancer, blindness, and so on. 50% of men and 33% of women are going to get cancer in their lifetime; and 2/3rds of the time it could have been prevented. Research indicates that approximately 13% of women and 9% of men fail to get the care they need.

Personality Theories Essay -- essays research papers Freud Psychology

Personality Theories   Table of Contents Freud Jung Adler Rogers Maslow Humanistic strengths and weakness Psychodynamic strengths and weakness Some similarities of both Web Resources Freud Biography Biography Sigmund Freud was born May 6, 1856, in a small town -- Freiberg -- in Moravia. His father was a wool merchant with a keen mind and a good sense of humor. His mother was a lively woman, her husband's second wife and 20 years younger. She was 21 years old when she gave birth to her first son, her darling, Sigmund. Sigmund had two older half-brothers and six younger siblings. When he was four or five -- he wasn't sure -- the family moved to Vienna, where he lived most of his life. A brilliant child, always at the head of his class, he went to medical school, one of the few viable options for a bright Jewish boy in Vienna those days. There, he became involved in research under the direction of a physiology professor named Ernst Brà ¼cke. Brà ¼cke believed in what was then a popular, if radical, notion, which we now call reductionism: "No other forces than the common physical-chemical ones are active within the organism." Freud would spend many years trying to "reduce" personality to neurology, a cause he later gave up on. Freud was very good at his research, concentrating on neurophysiology, even inventing a special cell-staining technique. But only a limited number of positions were available, and there were others ahead of him. Brà ¼cke helped him to get a grant to study, first with the great psychiatrist Charcot in Paris, then with his rival Bernheim in Nancy. Both these gentlemen were investigating the use of hypnosis with hysterics. After spending a short time as a resident in neurology and director of a children's ward in Berlin, he came back to Vienna, married his fiancà ©e of many years Martha Bernays, and set up a practice in neuropsychiatry, with the help of Joseph Breuer. Freud's books and lectures brought him both fame and ostracism from the mainstream of the medical community. He drew around him a number of very bright sympathizers who became the core of the psychoanalytic movement. Unfortunately, Freud had a penchant for rejecting people who did not totally agree with him. Some separated from him on friendly terms; others did not, and went on to found competing schools of thought. Freud emigrated to England j... ... capacity for a psychologically healthy human evolutionary process. These theorists are upbeat and positive about life and seem to have genuine empathy and liking for their fellow humankind. There were also some large theoretical differences observed among the theorists. 1. When is personality fixed ? Adler argued basic personality was fixed at age five, and Jung thought that the thirties and forties were an important time of intense personality development. 2. What is the goal of the personality theorist ? Cattell was in the traditional "understand and control" camp of psychology, while Carl Rogers argued it is pathological to try to control other peoples behavior. 3. What is the role of the client during treatment ? Here, we have seen somewhat of an evolution in treatment philosophy. Early theorists such as Jung and Freud were very directive in their therapy, and controlled much of the interpretations of thoughts and behaviors. More recently, theorists have tried to make the cl ient a full partner in the research, even to the point of having the client suggest solutions. Web Resources www.webster.edu www.mccc.edu www.reference.com www.wynja.com www.rpi.edu classweb.gmu.edu

Simulation Review Paper on Elijah Heart Center

Elijah Heart Center (EHC), is a healthcare organization focused on cardiac health. The facility is equipped to handle the full spectrum of cardiovascular services for physicians and patients. The hospital also provides outpatient services for less invasive procedures and clinical care. Although the organization’s patient volume is stable and increasing in volume rapidly, there is a deficit in regards to profitability. As the senior financial consultant, I will present plans for short term and long term goals if needed. I will also recommend specific measures to modernize the hospital and provide specific plans for hospital expansion. Financial Portfolio Elijah Heart Center has managed to stay in operation due to excellent patient services. In the process of great patient care, poor financial decisions have been made in the past that now hinder the profitable spectrum of the organization. Research data revealed that issues that have affected this organization’s financial budget. The data revealed that (EHC) gave large discounts to manage care companies. The nursing staff was affected because higher wages were paid to outside agencies who supplied contract nurses. Of course when dealing with government health funded insurance carriers such as Medicare, the reimbursement levels are well below budget standards. Insurance rates are not current and based on past medical costs which stunts the financial growth of the hospital. Liabilities have increased and ? of the liabilities are related to accounts payable. The hospital equipment will need replacement soon due to extensive usage. Another issue is the constant placement of unused equipment in patient’s rooms. This causes conflict because if the equipment is placed in the patient’s room, it is considered is supposed to be charged to the patient. Phase 1 Capital Shortage Bridging a working capital shortage is one of the strategies that can help increase the hospital’s revenue if a true concrete plan can be formulated. Once all data was received, suggestion from the Executive Board was taken into consideration before any final decision was to be made. The main focus to be considered while bringing forth a strategic plan, is to understand the healthcare business as a whole. According to Baker and Baker (2009), The health care industry is a service industry. It may have inventories of medical supplies and drugs, but those inventories are necessary to service delivery, not manufacturing functions. With this information in mind, two specific cost cutting options were chosen geared toward staffing and patient care. The first option addressed was to decrease the staff hired from outside sources. Nursing and other employees who were hired via contracts worked for higher rates of pay. This rate is normally double the amount of the staff employee. Depending on the specific position and pay grade, large quantities of contract workers drains the current financial budget and reserves. The goal being strived for is the ability to take money being paid out to contract workers, and use it to hire staff at a reasonable rage of hire. This leads into the second option that was chosen. Changing the skill mix is a great strategy to help retain employees, add to their skills to make them more of an asset, and increase the employee morale. It is known that without contract staff to supplement nursing the strain of patient care would increase. That is why it is necessary to utilize the staff already in house that known the routine to be open to learning more skills. The asset to this strategy is that the nurses who are hired for full time status will enter an organization that promotes advanced clinical learning. The projected outcome of this plan is a net savings of at least 90% the first year, and an increase of financial savings by the second net year. Loan Options A decision in regards to loan options is a strategic method that can be harmful to the company deficit if not chosen correctly. After consulting with the executive team, the decision to select a refurbished loan with a lower interest rate of 9% was better than selecting a new loan with an interest rate of 9. 5%. Having the option to refinance a new loan would not be as lucrative or flexible in the first years of loan repayment. Outcome of Decision The outcome of these two decisions showed major improvements among the internal/external working environment as well as decreased overloaded expenses. The loan (option 2), was the best choice @ $1,500. 000, with a low interest rate of 9. 00%. The interest rate is lower than loan (option 1), at 9. 45% interest. The Monthly payments of $131. 177 versus $131. 490 was also appealing. The cost cutting strategies worked for (EHC) and improvement was immediately seen. Phase 2 Funding Options for Equipment Acquisitions The working capital shortfall is now under control at (EHC). With the increased patient flow, the technological aspects of the hospital must now be addressed. After meeting with the Board of Directors, Gilbert Sanchez stated the desire to purchase medical equipment to continue to provide excellent care to clients. The option was given after consultation to either buy new or refurbished medical equipment by acquiring a loan, or acquiring the equipment on lease (capital or operating). In large healthcare organizations, there is constant competition between departments for funding request for new equipment and supplies. According to Baker and Baker (2009), the reason for new equipment is needed must be clearly stated. The acquisition cost must be a reasonable figure that contains all appropriate specifications. The number of years useful life that can be reasonably extended from the equipment is also an important assumption. Mr. Sanchez provided all the necessary information needed. A different and daring approach was used to purchase the equipment needed for the hospital. The High Speed CT Scanner, X-Ray Machine and Ultrasound were all purchased on a Refurbished Equipment Loan. The optimal choice was to purchase the High Speed CT Scanner on a Refurbished Equipment Loan, the X-Ray Machine on a Capital Lease. The choice made for this issue was concrete. The most cost efficient method was used to revamp the equipment in use at the present time. The refurbished loan amount was purchased at a 9 % interest rate. When checking the balance sheet, the total assets and total liabilities were the same at $230. 621. Phase 3 Options for Capital Expansion Now that the capital shortage and equipment acquisition were addressed and the financial improvement of the hospital is rising, there is now a need for added space. The executive committee have plans to add 100 new private rooms as well as consider the expansion other departments such as surgical suites, endoscopy, surgical suites, and women’s service. Other expansions include 5 operating suites along with seven Cardiac Catheterization Labs. Also, twenty critical care patient rooms were also on the list to be added. The options available for selection included, Tax-Exempt Revenue Bonds, HUD 343 Loan Insurance Program and Private Bank Funding. I chose Private Bank Funding. The interest rate is slightly higher than the other options but the Net Present Value (NPV) was better than the total cost of the project. The total cost was $75,000 and the (NPV) came to $180. 250. According to Baker and Baker (2009), the Net Present Value, is a discounted cash flow method. It is based on cash flows in that it takes all the cash (incoming and outgoing) into account over the life of the equipment over this life of the equipment ( or if applicable, over the life of the relevant project). The strategic collaboration between the Board Executives and myself resulted in a great outcome, bringing overall improvement to the organization. I learned the importance of financial budgeting and streamlining with the focus on staff and patient satisfaction. I honestly would not change my decision on this simulation. I feel confident in my decisions as the consultant. I will take what I have learned from this assignment and apply the methods used to maintain a competent financial budget as well as monitor and maintain adequate employee staffing ratios.

Everyday Use, And Seamus Heaney s Digging - 1152 Words

Family traditions/heritage is an aggregate of attitude, ideas, ideals and the environment, which a person inherits from his parents/ancestors. Individual identity entails aspect of one’s life that no one has control over, i.e., race, the color of skin, beliefs, etc. These family traditions and cultural legacies play a detrimental role in influencing one’s self-identity, which can be both negative and positive. A positive legacy consists of the trait that is inherited from consistent, diligent and thoughtful families. On the other hand, negative legacies are the ones that face opposition or rejection and are unwelcome in the family. Latter seem more prevalent in cases of adopting cultural shifts where an individual rejects legacies that were carried on for generations, and adopt a new way of life and be him/herself. Alice Walker’s â€Å"Everyday Use† and Seamus Heaney’s â€Å"Digging† have a common central theme that is to show us how an indi vidual breaks their family traditions and embrace a new way of life, and the consequences faced after that turnout. A very little to almost none is known about my family history because of the backwardness of the eastern culture as opposed to that of the west. Our forefathers are said to have been nomads all their lives searching pasturelands for their cattle and cultivating land for the subsistence farming. They bartered animals for salt, hides, clothing, etc. Civilization remained unheard to them until after mid-eighteenth century. OurShow MoreRelatedThe Heritage Of The Past1402 Words   |  6 PagesThe recognition of heritage in Alice Walker’s â€Å"Everyday Use† and Seamus Heaney’s â€Å"Digging,† approach the nourishment of heritage in different ways. Heaney diversifies the heritage of a father and grandfather digging in the potato fields, through an identity as a poet, by â€Å"digging† with a pen. However, Walker recognizes heritage through the heirlooms of quilts made by a grandmother, but rebels against the heritage by fulfilling a new identity. Heaney and Walker acknowledge and revere heritage, but