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BCN, which is the HMO affiliated with Blue Cross Blue Shield of Michigan,earlier this year instituted Wellness Works!, an employee health and fitnessprogram for its own employees who work in offices across the state. Theprogram has made several changes to promote wellness in BCN's workenvironment:
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"Wellness Works! helps our employees maintain and improve their health,"said Pam Reinert, BCN director of quality management. "Wellness Works! alsohelps us walk our talk. We're proving that what we encourage other companiesto do can be done: offering employees physical activity support, creatinghealthy eating options and promoting a culture of wellness."
Signs that BCN's Wellness Works! program is indeed working are the resultsfrom its inaugural statewide walking and weight loss competitions. Bestresults were achieved by Lansing resident Rosanne Parker who dropped threedress sizes by losing more than 60 pounds, or more than 25 percent of her bodyweight, and by Donna Hatfield of Laingsburg who logged 2,207 miles.
The American Heart Association recently recognized BCN's program as agold-level Fit Friendly Company in its 2007 Start! challenge. AHA recognizescompanies that demonstrate commitment to promoting exercise and good nutritionin the workplace. Gold-level companies have met AHA criteria for offeringemployees physical activity support, increasing healthy eating options at workand promoting a wellness culture.
BCN not only has taken steps to help employees lead healthier lifestyles,it was the first health plan in Michigan to introduce a product that rewardsmembers for committing to healthier lifestyles. Last year BCN introduced itsinnovative Healthy Blue Living(SM) product which rewards both employers andmembers for attempting to meet healthy lifestyle goals.
Blue Care Network of Michigan and its subsidiaries have more than 660,000members. Blue Care Network features award-winning disease management programsand the largest HMO network of physicians and hospitals in the state, withmore than 3,800 primary care physicians, 9,700 specialists and 120 hospitals.Blue Care Network is the affiliated HMO of Blue Cross Blue Shield of Michiganand an independent licensee of the Blue Cross and Blue Shield Association. Forfurther information, visit MiBCN.com.* At BCN's Southfield offices, the cafeteria vendor lowered by 25 percent the price of 10 healthy items, including vegetables and fruits, and raised the price of its 10 unhealthiest foods. * Many candy bars in BCN vending machines vanished, replaced with healthier choices. * A six-month competition encouraged employees to walk and take part in a weight loss challenge. A total of 817 employees, or 65 percent of the BCN workforce, participated in the challenges. They walked 344,725 miles - equivalent to 14 trips around the Earth - and lost 2,100 pounds. * Pedometers were provided to all employees signed up for the walking contest. * Employee health fairs have been held every six months. * Automatic blood pressure machines are now in all BCN facilities.
SOURCE Blue Cross Blue Shield of Michigan
