Healthy Lifestyle Leads To Increased Financial Savings, Study Shows

Main Category: Public Health
Also Included In: Nutrition / Diet;  Health Insurance / Medical Insurance
Article Date: 11 Dec 2007 - 12:00 PDT

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People who lead healthier lifestyles can reduce their health care costs by nearly $200 annually, according to a study released on Thursday by Blue Cross and Blue Shield of North Carolina, the Winston-Salem Journal reports. Blue Cross officials over a two-year period studied the health and finances of 1,171 people who participated in the insurer's "Healthy Lifestyle Choices" program. The program encouraged members to exercise, lose weight and follow a nutritious eating plan. The study found that the participants were able to save an average of $187 annually in health care costs through the program. The report follows the release of a Blue Cross study in October that suggested small businesses are reluctant to implement substantial wellness programs for workers because of costs (Jackson, Winston-Salem Journal, 12/7).

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