The 2017–2018 flu season was one of the longest in recent years. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reported that cases of influenza-like illness were at the highest level since the 2009 flu pandemic. Flu cases were also above the national average for 19 weeks, from November through March.1 Despite these powerful statistics, […]
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The newest edition of the Physical Activity Guidelines for Americans has been released. It’s full of vital information about: Different types of activity such as aerobic, muscle strengthening, bone strengthening, balance and flexibility The levels of intensity during physical activity It also has updates including: Evidence showing more health benefits to physical activity — including […]
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In his book, Spartan Up!, Spartan Race founder Joe De Sena discusses resiliency. He writes, “In ancient times, the concept of learning how to ‘fail well’ encouraged young Spartans to develop critical skills of resiliency and self-determinantion.”1 This reflects Spartan’s organizational spirit as the global leader in obstacle course races — offering challenges for everyone […]
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More than 1,500 clients, partners, industry analysts and health care leaders will attend Optum Forum 2019 in Las Vegas next week. The annual health care event will feature thought-provoking content delivered by industry-leading speakers, interactive experiences, and extensive opportunities for our guests to connect and share. Moving health FORWARD The Optum Forum theme – FORWARD […]
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What if you could improve employee health and save your company thousands of dollars in the process? When you empower employees to quit using tobacco, you can. Tobacco is the leading cause of preventable disease, disability and death in the United States.1 More than 480,000 Americans die of a smoking-related disease, and another 16 million […]
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David L. Katz, MD, has said, “What’s best for all of us tends to be best for each of us, too.” When it comes to global health, that statement certainly rings true. Around the world, the people who live the longest and with the best health tend to: Eat well Stay active Get proper sleep […]
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Although today’s news seems to be filled with misconceptions around immunizations, the fact is that vaccines — especially the flu vaccine — can make a big difference in our community’s health. In 2018, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) estimated that the flu vaccine prevented more than seven million illnesses.1 The flu vaccine […]
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The health care industry talks a lot about workplace well-being from the employer or health plan perspective. But we wondered, what do employees think about well-being? And how might their perspectives translate to improved health offerings and outcomes? To learn more about this important topic, Optum recently partnered with the National Business Group on Health® […]
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Do you ever wonder if it makes sense to start exercising now, at this age? Perhaps you were never an athlete, or were once active but got stuck in the grind of everyday life, and getting to the gym just slipped to the bottom of your priorities. How on earth can you get back in […]
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How do Silicon Valley employers compare to other employers across the U.S. when it comes to addressing employee well-being? Optum recently analyzed its survey of national employers to gauge how Silicon Valley firms stack up. Below are some key insights from our analysis. Behavioral health and substance use disorder (SUD): Addressing mental health stigma and SUD is critical for nearly all employers. Silicon Valley companies measured slightly behind others in their plans to […]
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