A recent study funded by The Commonwealth Fund states that sixty-nine million employees took sick days for a total of 407 million work days lost. Another fifty-five million workers reported loss of concentration due to personal or family health issues.

The results are staggering. Businesses took an annual loss of $260 billion due to total labor time lost for health reasons. Consequently, more businesses are focusing on employee wellness. Healthier people use fewer medical resources and are more productive on the job.

The American Heart Association supports corporate health and wellness. Businesses employ new measures for preventive treatment. They interact with all employees, not just those who have health issues.

Senior research scientist for Kaiser Permanente Northern California, Barbara Sternfeld, PhD, headed a recent study. Project ALIVE (A Lifestyle Intervention Via Email) is an email-based diet and activity endorsement in the workplace.

The study, funded by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, took place over a four-month period. Half of the participants received 12 email messages with small goals, tips, and information. The other half did not.

Some plans focus on modification programs, typically targeting weight management, smoking cessation, and fitness. Health risk assessments assist employees in finding wellness programs suitable for their individual needs. These questionnaires collect information to guide employees and predict health risks.

In addition to this, Project ALIVE targets employee health promotion in a cost-effective manner. Employees benefit from:

* setting their own goals,

* choosing their own "small steps" toward improvement,

* monitoring tools provided,

* social support and problem-solving help

At the end of the trial time, this worksite wellness program showed positive results. The email recipients improved in nutritional diet and exercise. The others did not.

"The takeaway message here for people who want to improve their diet and physical activity, and for employers who want a healthier workforce, is that e-mail intervention programs are a very cost-effective way to get healthy," says Dr Sternfield.