CENTRAL OHIO -- The skyrocketing costs of health care has forced many companies to look for ways to save.
The Ohio Chapter of the Partnership to Fight Chronic Disease (PFCD) has urged members of Ohio's Congressional delegation to learn from the experience of local employers.
In the health-care reform debate, the PFCD advocates for provisions that address the impact of chronic disease.
FAST FACTS: Seventy-five percent of all national health-care spending is on chronic conditions such as heart disease, diabetes, obesity, asthma, cancer, hypertension and depression. It’s estimated that more than half of Ohio’s population has a chronic illness.
Many companies, including some in Central Ohio, have instituted health and wellness programs inside the work environment.
Even NBC 4 has gotten in on the act with an internal ‘Biggest Loser’ campaign for a second straight season.
Bigger companies, such as Nationwide Insurance, had some great success stories from employees who jumped on board with an employer-offered wellness program.
Some have lost as much as 100 pounds. The programs also have cut down on the number of used sick days and chronic health problems.
The hope has been to grab the attention of those in Congress on how these programs should be staples inside of companies. Another hope has been that government will do what it can to encourage companies and, in some cases, help financially.
Go to http://www.americanheart.org/presenter.jhtml?identifier=3065460 for more information on how start a health and wellness program. You also can start a plan with your own ideas.
For additional information, stay with NBC 4 and refresh nbc4i.com -- Where Accuracy Matters.
To submit a story idea or news tip, e-mail stories@nbc4i.com.
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