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A <br />WELLNESS ACTIVITIES 2013 -2014 <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. <br />Below is a list of wellness activities and programs between October 2013 and August 2014 <br />1. Flu Clinics <br />The Human Resources Department again partnered with the Health Department to <br />provide two flu clinics in 2013. The immunizations are no cost to employees as part of <br />their preventive health benefit. 207 employees were immunized at the 2013 Flu Clinics, <br />an 8% decrease over 2012. This decrease may be due to the easy availability of <br />immunizations through primary care doctors and pharmacies. Two employee flu clinics <br />will be held in Fall 2014, with one in Chapel Hill and one in Hillsborough. <br />Annual Employee Flu Shot Clinic Participants <br />2010 <br />2011 <br />2012 <br />2013 <br />204 <br />169 <br />225 <br />207 <br />2. Biometric Screenings <br />This year, Orange County partnered with the University of North Carolina's Wellness <br />@Work program to provide health screenings that assessed employee risks related to <br />cholesterol, blood pressure, blood sugar, and body mass. 153 employees participated <br />in the screenings in June 2014. <br />3. SportsPlex Membership <br />Highly discounted membership rates for the Orange County SportsPlex continue to be a <br />popular wellness benefit for employees. Currently 227 employees are members, a 2% <br />increase over 2013's membership of 212. <br />All employees are reminded annually about the Orange County SportsPlex discount, <br />and periodic postings are placed on the employee intranet homepage. New employees <br />are informed about the discount at employee orientation, and the SportsPlex rates and <br />schedules are on the County's Wellness Web page. SportsPlex representatives attend <br />the Employee Wellness Lunch (below), assist with National Nutrition Month activities <br />and provide occasional onsite classes. This is one of the most popular fringe benefits <br />offered. <br />A -5 <br />