According to the American Diabetes Association (ADA), diabetes is a disease that’s reaching epidemic proportions. Approximately 34 million people in the U.S. have diabetes — and the ADA also reports individuals with diabetes have medical expenses approximately 2.3 times higher than those who do not. Small businesses owners are doing what they can to help keep their employees living with the disease healthy, including promoting their Independence Blue Cross health and wellness perks.
No matter how many people you employ, the health of your staff impacts the health of your business, which is why managing diabetes has become a top concern for employers. From health and wellness perks included in your employees’ Independence Blue Cross (Independence) coverage to tips on things you can do around the workplace, here are a few ideas on how to help employees living with diabetes stay healthy and productive:
- Say hello to health coaches – Independence coverage includes health and wellness perks, like 24/7 access to Registered Nurse Health Coaches. Independence coaches can help employees better understand and manage everything from their diagnosis and health concerns to lifestyle choices and self-care skills.
- Give a nod to nutrition – Your employees’ Independence plan also includes six dietitian visits a year at no cost, so covered employees can learn how to eat healthier and control weight through nutrition counseling.
- Go big on breaks – Give employees space where you can, and encourage breaks so they take the time to monitor blood sugar and take insulin injections.
- Promote digital tools – Smartphone apps can also help address some of the challenges of monitoring this disease by scheduling medication reminders, tracking blood sugar, adjusting insulin doses, and more.
Caring for your employees is just another way you care about your business. Doing what you can to keep everyone healthier and more productive will pay dividends in more ways than one.
