Managing Chronic Disease: Employers can empower employees to take charge of their health Chronic disease affects nearly 6 in 10 working Canadians and results in income and productivity losses of close to $190 billion each year in Canada – making it the biggest driver of benefit plan costs. No wonder that chronic disease is referred to as the “silent strain” on employers’ bottom lines. Our own claims data shows that that per capita drug spending for type 2 diabetes alone has grown by more than 50% over the last five years, with 1 in 15 covered plan members now being treated for the condition.
PAULA GROSSMAN SENIOR HEALTH SPECIALIST MEDAVIE BLUE CROSS
That’s the bad news. The good news is that compared to other illnesses, chronic conditions are the most preventable. Think high cholestoral, high blood pressure and Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD).
Controlling, reversing chronic disease
By learning proper treatment methods and adopting healthier lifestyles, employees can control their condition and even reverse or delay the onset of disease - in the case of heart disease and stroke by as much as 14 years. Employers can play a role by empowering employees to take ownership of their health. How? By removing barriers to self-care. For some that barrier is cost. For others, it’s not knowing where to turn for expert help or how to navigate the health care system.
Mental Health First Aid
One in three Canadians will experience a mental health problem at some point during their life. The earlier a problem is detected and treated, the better the outcome. Mental Health First Aid gives people the skills they need to provide that early help that is so important in recovery.
For more information, contact us at (709) 726-4200 or sja@nl.sja.ca
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FALL: 2018
