Help employees prioritize preventive care

Even though preventive care is the best way to protect overall health, only 8 percent of Americans undergo routine preventive screeningsⁱ and nearly 25 percent of people in the U.S. did not get an annual checkup last year.ⁱⁱ  

This worrisome trend costs U.S. employers $36.4 billion a year due to missed workⁱⁱⁱ for conditions like high blood pressure, diabetes, physical inactivity and obesity or due to the effects of smoking -- conditions that could be effectively managed with regular preventive care.

In addition, nearly one third of people with a long-term physical health condition also struggle with mental health issues – most often depression or anxiety.^iv

Employers are uniquely positioned to help encourage preventive care services and the benefit of building healthy habits. 

Promoting preventive care

This page provides helpful information and resources on preventive care, including a video that helps employees understand why preventive care is important and what to expect during a typical visit. 

You can also use the following talking points to create additional communications promoting preventive care. Keep in mind that each employee’s definition of health will be different. The key is to empower them with scalable strategies to improve their wellbeing. 

Start small

Developing healthy habits happens over time. Begin with small achievable goals and build from there. 

• Add two additional fruits or veggies to your diet. The next week add another. Try new varieties to make meals and snacks more interesting.   
• Set a goal to do some sort of physical activity every day. Start with 10 or 15 minutes. After you establish a routine and have more stamina, increase your time as you are able.
• Aim for six to eight hours of sleep per night 
  • Avoid screen time before bed. Blue light affects our melatonin — a hormone that helps us sleep — about twice as much as other lights.^v
  • Dim the lights about an hour before bedtime to signal your body it’s time to rest
  • Use soothing sounds to help lull you to sleep

Find a doctor you trust

Studies show seeing a primary care physician (PCP) on a regular basis results in early detection of many serious medical issues. If you don’t have a PCP, log in to bluecrossmn.com and search “Primary care.” 

Consider whole-person health

Improving psychological wellbeing has been shown to increase a healthy immune response and enhance resistance toward disease,^vi so remember to include taking care of your mental health in addition to your physical health. 

• Take 15 minutes a day to sit quietly to meditate or focus on breathing
• Do at least one thing every day that you enjoy, even if only for a few minutes
• Try positive self-talk – turning negative thoughts into positive ones

Be sure to highlight covered benefits that support wellbeing in your communications. If you’d like information on other benefits that are available to support employee health, contact your account representative.