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Geauga workers must document fitness benefit
(by Joseph Koziol Jr. - December 22, 2010)
Geauga workers must document fitness benefit
By JOSEPH KOZIOL JR.
Geauga County Commissioners approved a modification to the county's wellness program last week in what they said is a move to make employees more accountable. Commissioners voted unanimously to require employees to keep logs of their exercising or participation in weight-reduction programs.
The county's benefits coordinator, Kathy Hostutler, made the request for the change in the 3-year-old program that is designed to keep employees healthier.
The county contributes up to $30 per month toward a fitness or weight-reduction program for employees, Ms. Hostutler said. Employees pay the difference.
The change will require employees to provide a one-page log showing that they participated in a fitness program at least 24 times each quarter. Each log must show the participant's name, listing date, fitness club and approximate length of activity.
Without the log, participants will not receive reimbursement.
For those in weight-reduction programs, their logs must show 12 sessions of exercise per quarter and at least a half-hour of exercise per week.
The county has 117 employees participating in the program, Ms. Hostutler said.
She said she could not show how much the county may have saved through the program, but she has heard of personal success stories from people who have gotten off their blood-pressure or heart medication because of their participation. In the long term, she said, it may save someone from a heart attack or other serious health issue.
Commissioner Mary Samide said the program has benefited the county financially. The county saw a 5 percent increase in health insurance rates while others are seeing 18 percent and 20 percent rate hikes, she said.
The benefit is not available to elected officials, Mrs. Samide said.
County Administrator David Lair said the program not only benefits financially but also is a way of showing that the county cares about its employees.
Commissioner Tracy Jemison said it makes sense as a smart business decision for the county as well. He said healthy employees are more efficient in the performance of their duties.
Commissioner William Young said, for each $1 the county invests in the program, it gets $3.50 in savings in health-care costs and work days that are not lost because of health problems. He said, while the savings may not be immediately evident, there are savings in the long run through fewer health issues with employees.
Mr. Lair said those who like to say they don't want to be a burden on their children have to take a similar approach.
Mr. Lair said he gets up at 4:30 a.m. each day to exercise before going to work. He said his first year was tough, but it has become just a part of his routine.
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