Past Issues
-October 2006Contact us:
Ed Bates
952.944.5044
Mary Bates
952.942.8355
Jereme Bates
952.944.2919
Did you know?
We Minnesotans are at our highest risk for developing skin cancer during our brief but treasured summer months. The damage is oftentimes not visible until later in life, so it is important to protect yourself now. For skin cancer prevention tips, please visit:
my.webmd.com
A great information source for those groups with employees working outdoors.
Quarterly Quote
“Character cannot be developed in ease and quiet. Only through experience of trial and suffering can the soul be strengthened, ambition inspired, and success achieved.”
-Helen Keller
Dealing with Stress in the Workplace
Written by Mary Bates
We hear about stress everyday, from every media venue. The message is how everyone is affected!! Is it any wonder that our complicated, competitive lifestyles and schedules, create stress?
As employers, you must also realize that stress can affect employee productivity. In a recent survey, “20% of employees lose one hour or more per day in productivity and 48% miss one to two days per year due to stress”. Employee assistance programs (EAP) can help employees manage their stress by helping them find resources to deal with their problems. Whether it be marriage and relationships, child care and elder care, financial matters, substance abuse, family problems, mental health, or whatever is causing the stress, your employees have a resource they can use to get some direction. The following are EAP Programs offered:
- Blue Cross members-Blueprint for Health
- HealthPartner’s members-Partners for Better Health
- Medica members-Medica Optum EAP
- Preferred One-Midwest EAP Solutions
Each program is free and an available benefit for your employee benefit package. Payroll stuffers or posters can be ordered to educate and promote this service.
Another seed to plant is for you to promote and encourage more physical activity in your work environment. You don’t have to completely outfit a gym, but a few pieces of equipment (if you have the space) and a shower area, or maybe a contribution to a membership in a health club, might well be worth the investment towards better production. A 30 minute walk versus a 15 minute coffee break might easily yield more quality afternoon hours.
I recently had lunch with one of my clients and we visited at great length about the many benefits of our personal work out time. Sometimes it does seem more stressful to fit exercise into our busy schedules, but folks who do, experience the benefits and make it a priority. After all, it is just another simple way of dealing with your stress.
Written by Ed Bates
On June 24 th, Josephine Marcotty, of the Minneapolis Star Tribune, wrote an article about healthcare costs in Minnesota that I wanted to share with you. She indicated that according to a recent study released by Minnesota-Managed Care Review, healthcare costs rose 11.2% in 2004. This statistic was developed from results of the state regulated HMOs in Minnesota, which cover about one-fifth of the states’ insured. As a comparison, 2002’s increase in premium was 10%, and 2003’s was 8%. These HMOs underwrite almost all of the employers in the small group reform segment, which are employers with 50 or less employees. Many of you are in that category.
The article further states that the 11.2% increase was higher than actual expense to the plans that year, which was about 10%. The plans are attempting to stay ahead of escalating costs, which the article feels is a result of “newer and more expensive technology in hospitals and clinics, and because people are going to the doctor more often”. It also noted that the HMOs (all not-for-profit) reported net income up for the year.
My sense of things is based on two findings in the article. First, even though increased premium was higher than prior years, the actual expenses to the HMOs, was less than the increased premium. This means that they funded properly and we won’t have to make up under funding in future years. Second, the HMO’s increase in net income is a good sign. Because they are non-profit, and are highly regulated by the state, these earnings will be used to help defray, to some degree, future premium cost increases. Therefore, my sense tells me that we might have a year or two of more moderate increases going forward. Time will tell. Meantime, remember that we are always proactive on your behalf to find the least expensive alternative available to you. Together we can deal with this challenging expense.
I’m Not Sick, So Why Go to the Doctor?
Written by Jereme Bates
Even if you feel fine, always allow time to verify that indeed you are healthy? Seeing your doctor regularly is important.
It’s about living well. Regular health screenings can minimize the risk of serious illness. If it’s difficult for you to make healthful choices concerning your diet, exercise, tobacco use, or other health issues, your doctor can provide information and if needed; treatment options to help you minimize the risk of illness. If illness occurs, regular screenings can mean an early diagnosis, when treatments are most effective.
Recommended preventive visits for adults:
- Men: age 19 to 64 should see their healthcare provider every five years
- Women: age 19 to 64, the recommendation is every three to five years
At age 65 and older, men and women should see their doctor every one or two years.
Checkup checklist:
- Whether you call it a checkup or preventive screening, your healthcare provider will cover the basics:
- Measure your height and weight
- Blood pressure
- Blood test for cholesterol (cholesterol checks are recommended every five years beginning at age 44 for women and 34 for men)
- Cancer screenings
- Assess and discuss your health risks
-Blue Cross Blue Shield. A Guide to Preventive Health Care. December, 2004