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8 <br /> WELLNESS ACTIVITIES 2011/2012 <br /> Research has shown that every dollar spent on wellness activities generates at least $3 in <br /> return. Fewer sick days, increased productivity, and greater ability to deal with stress are all <br /> common results of wellness programs. A healthier workforce results in greater productivity and <br /> employee satisfaction as well as lower health insurance costs. <br /> Investing in preventive screenings for high blood pressure and cholesterol can reduce health <br /> care costs. Employees have shown their willingness to engage in healthy, or healthier, activities <br /> to keep health insurance benefits at current levels and minimize both their costs and County <br /> costs. UnitedHealthcare funds onsite biometric screenings, employee newsletters, payroll <br /> stuffers and promotional posters. The UnitedHealthcare SimplyEngaged® programs offer <br /> employees incentives in the form of gift cards for completing an online health assessment, and <br /> for participating in both online and telephone health counseling. <br /> Highly discounted membership rates for the Orange County SportsPlex continue to be a popular <br /> wellness benefit for employees. Currently 208 employees are members, a 5% drop over 2011's <br /> membership of 218. <br /> Below is a list of wellness activities and programs between October 2011 and August 2012. <br /> 1. Flu Clinics <br /> The Health Department partners with the Human Resources Department to provide two <br /> flu clinics each year, at no cost. Over 150 employees were immunized at the Flu Clinics <br /> held in late 2011. Flu Clinics will be held on October 19 and November 2, 2012 at two <br /> County locations. <br /> 2. Biometrics Screenings, Health Assessment and Health Coaching <br /> UnitedHealthcare sponsored biometric screenings in February 2012, and 266 <br /> employees learned their numbers related to blood pressure, blood glucose, and <br /> cholesterol. Nearly 400 employees and retirees completed the online health <br /> assessment between January 1 and July 31, 2012. <br /> After completing the health assessment, employees are able to enroll in one or more <br /> online health coaching programs related to exercise, stress, weight loss, tobacco <br /> cessation and others. More than 250 programs were started, and over 124 were <br /> completed. Additionally, 37 employees either completed or are still involved with <br /> telephone counseling on topics of weight and stress management. <br /> 3. SportsPlex Membership <br /> Notices were sent to employees in January 2012 reminding them of the Orange County <br /> SportsPlex discount. New employees are informed about the discount at employee <br /> orientation, and the SportsPlex rates and schedules are on the County's Wellness Web <br /> page. The SportsPlex participates in the Annual Employee Wellness & Appreciation <br /> Lunch each spring. <br /> 4. Employee Appreciation and Wellness Lunch — June 2012 <br /> A - 6 <br />