We often hear about companies conducting medical check-ups for their employees or providing medical check-up benefits. However, it makes us wonder if they truly understand the chronology of medical check-ups or if they simply follow the company's policies and regulations.
Let's take a closer look at the chronology of health checks and why it is important to approach them correctly.
In fact, proper health checks can benefit a company more than they may realize. According to a 2016 study on the Medical Cost Analysis of a School District Worksite Wellness Program, employees who participated in the wellness program had lower average medical claim costs compared to non-participants. The wellness program resulted in cost savings of $3,612,402 over three years, which is equivalent to RM16,795,863.10!
You might wonder why we are discussing wellness programs instead of focusing solely on health checks. Consider it from a different perspective:
Why are wellness programs conducted in the first place?
Is it just for fun?
Is it merely to meet KPIs, or does it actually play a vital role within a company?
The answer is simple: Wellness programs aim to address health and wellness issues faced by employees. This answer, in turn, resolves problems within the company itself. Take a look at the projected figure for three years to see how many companies can save through long-term health management via wellness programs.
Here is the chronology of health checks that companies should know:
Is the bad cholesterol level high?
Is there a presence of diabetes?
Are there high blood pressure or heart diseases?
(These results can be obtained from medical reports.)
Why is the cholesterol level high? Is it due to an unhealthy lifestyle, such as consuming excessive fried food? Or is it influenced by economic status or the environment?
What about high blood pressure? Could it be due to a lack of knowledge regarding foods with high sodium content?
Creating awareness is crucial to initiate action among individuals facing health issues. It helps them understand the consequences of untreated cholesterol or the impact it can have on their careers, families, and personal lives. Encourage them to visualize the effects in the next 10 years.
During the awareness stage, companies often conduct health talks focusing on specific issues, such as hypertension, to address core problems effectively.
The fourth step involves taking action based on the knowledge and awareness gained during the third stage. Let's consider the example of high blood pressure. The action stage could entail individuals with high blood pressure avoiding processed foods and increasing their intake of vegetables to help control their blood pressure. Sometimes, simple actions can make a significant difference.
According to the same study, participants who joined the wellness program and remained employed for the next six years continued to apply the knowledge they gained during the program. Imagine the cost that we are able to reduce in 6 years!
In conclusion, understanding the chronology of health checks and incorporating wellness programs can bring significant benefits to a company. By identifying health issues, creating awareness, and taking action, companies can promote employee well-being and save on medical costs in the long run.
We are taking action now for our future and Mahatma Gandhi has once made this statement that the future depends on what you do today. Early detection for prevention and long run behavioral changes is needed when it involves health!