Every Employee Wellness Program Should Measure These Four Magical Numbers

Human resource and wellness professionals face a challenging task: improving employee health while also being able to demonstrate the success of their efforts. With a multitude of tests, numbers, and equations available to assess employee health, navigating these options can seem overwhelming.

When it comes to measuring physical health, employers have a wide array of choices, including metrics like disability rates, absenteeism, hospital admissions, insurance premiums, health risk factors, and health risk assessments (HRAs).

However, most health experts agree that there are four numbers crucial for measuring individual health, which can ultimately save lives. Applying this logic to your worksite wellness program can significantly enhance its effectiveness.

Cholesterol, blood pressure, blood sugar, and body mass index (BMI) are key indicators of an individual's risk for serious illnesses. Biometric screenings can measure these four critical numbers, enabling employees to make positive changes to improve their health and reduce the risk of developing conditions such as heart disease and diabetes. Many diseases can progress silently, affecting health long before symptoms appear, underscoring the importance of regular screenings.

1. Total Cholesterol Ideally Should Be <200

Cholesterol is a fatty substance required for the proper functioning of the body. It is used in the production of hormones, vitamin D, and substances that help digest food. However, when there is too much cholesterol in the blood, it can build up on the inside walls of arteries, leading to a condition known as atherosclerosis.

Cholesterol is categorized into 2 types: low-density lipoprotein (LDL) and high-density lipoprotein (HDL). LDL is often referred to as "bad" cholesterol because it can contribute to the buildup of plaque in arteries. HDL is known as "good" cholesterol because it helps remove LDL from the bloodstream.

Ideally, total cholesterol levels should be below 200 milligrams per deciliter (mg/dL). Regular cholesterol screenings can help detect high cholesterol early, as there are usually no symptoms associated with the condition.

2. Blood Pressure Ideally Should Be 120/80 or less

Blood pressure is the force of blood pushing against the walls of arteries when the heart pumps it. High blood pressure, also known as hypertension, can damage the arteries and increase the risk of heart disease, stroke, and kidney disease. It can also lead to vision problems and damage to the brain.

There are two ways to measure blood pressure: systolic and diastolic. Systolic pressure measures the force of blood when the heart beats, while diastolic pressure measures the force of blood when the heart is at rest. A normal blood pressure reading is typically around 120/80 millimeters of mercury (mm Hg) or lower.

High blood pressure often has no symptoms, which is why it is sometimes called the "silent killer." Regular blood pressure checks are essential for early detection and management of hypertension.

3. Blood Sugar (Glucose) Ideally Should Be <130

Glucose is a sugar that our bodies use as their primary source of energy. It comes from food we eat and is transported to cells via the bloodstream. However, if blood sugar levels are consistently high, it can be a sign of diabetes.

Diabetes is a when the body either does not produce enough insulin or does not use insulin effectively. Insulin is a hormone that helps regulate blood sugar levels. If left untreated, diabetes can lead to complications, including kidney disease, heart disease, and nerve damage.

Ideally, blood sugar levels should be below 130 milligrams per deciliter (mg/dL). Fasting blood sugar tests and oral glucose tolerance tests are methods used to measure blood sugar levels and diagnose diabetes.

4. Body Mass Index Ideally Should Be <25

The body mass index (BMI) is a measurement of body fat based on height and weight. It is used to categorize individuals as underweight, normal weight, overweight, or obese. A BMI of less than 18.5 is considered underweight, and a BMI of 18.5 to 24.9 is considered normal. A BMI between 25 and 29.9 is considered overweight, and a BMI of 30 or higher is considered obese.

Being overweight or obese can increase the risk of developing various health problems, including heart disease, high cholesterol, and diabetes. Maintaining a healthy weight through diet and exercise can assist in reducing these hazards.

Monitoring these four key health indicators—total cholesterol, blood pressure, blood sugar, and body mass index—can provide valuable insights into an individual's health status and help prevent serious health problems. Regular screenings and lifestyle modifications can play a crucial role in maintaining optimal health.

Tips Of Promoting Employee Wellness: What Companies Can Do

Creating a culture of health and wellness is essential for supporting employees in their journey toward better health. Here are some strategies that companies can implement to keep their employees healthy:

1. Wellness Programs: Implement comprehensive wellness programs that include resources for physical activity, nutrition education, and stress management. These programs can include fitness challenges, healthy eating seminars, and access to counseling services, promoting overall well-being.
2. Encourage Movement: Promote physical activity by offering incentives for participation in exercise programs and organizing group fitness classes. Encouraging regular breaks for stretching or walking can also help combat sedentary behavior and improve employee health.
3. Healthy Eating: Make healthy food options available in the workplace by stocking vending machines and cafeteria menus with nutritious choices. Consider offering discounts or subsidies for healthy meals and snacks, and provide education on portion control and mindful eating.
4. Supportive Environment: Foster a workplace culture that prioritizes employee well-being by offering flexible work arrangements and promoting work-life balance. Encourage open communication about health-related concerns and provide resources for stress management and resilience-building.
5. Health Screenings: Offer onsite health screenings for key health indicators like cholesterol, blood pressure, blood sugar, and BMI. Additionally, provides access to preventive care services such as flu shots, vaccinations, and annual check-ups. Encourage employees to take advantage of these services by covering associated costs or offering incentives for participation.

Conclusion

Incorporating regular screenings for total cholesterol, blood pressure, blood sugar, and body mass index (BMI) into your employee wellness program can provide crucial insights into individual health and help prevent serious illnesses. These four key numbers serve as important indicators of an individual's risk for conditions like heart disease and diabetes, allowing for timely intervention and lifestyle modifications. By prioritizing these measurements, employers can enhance the effectiveness of their wellness initiatives, ultimately leading to healthier and more productive employees.