Newark, NJ -- This fall the Saint Barnabas Health Care System launched a new initiative to help employees take better care of themselves in addition to addressing the health needs of their families.
The multi-phase wellness “Know Your Numbers” campaign encourages employees to complete a private a biometric screening at worksites, a Health Risk Assessment (HRA) online, and a preventive care office visit with a physician to help evaluate current health status and identify any health risks. Employees who complete these three activities by the end of 2011 receive a $250 cash payment.
“We are providing this incentive because we believe very strongly in the need to focus our attention on potential health risks and what we can do to make a positive difference,” says Ronald J. Del Mauro, Chief Executive Officer of the Saint Barnabas Health Care System.
The confidential, on-site screenings are performed for employees at one of the six hospitals and ambulatory care centers of the Saint Barnabas Health Care System, New Jersey’s largest integrated health care delivery system.
They include screenings for cholesterol, high blood pressure, and glucose. Employees are also given an assessment for body fat (Body Mass Index) and a waist measurement is taken. Educational information is provided to all, with special emphasis for those with any results of concern.
This initiative may be especially important for working mothers who have been shown to put their own health needs last. According to a survey conducted by the American Cancer Society, 95 percent of women stated they needed to do more to improve their health; however 58 percent of the respondents said they put their health needs behind others.
Seventy-two percent of women know it is important to get an annual pap smear, but only 59 percent receive one. A yearly mammogram or a breast examination is important if a woman is over 40, but only 50 percent actually get the examination. In addition, only 56 percent of women reported having their cholesterol checked and only 46 percent having their blood sugar checked, two risk factors for heart disease.
“This program makes it easier for all employees to do initial health screenings on the premises and then follow up with a physician for better long-term health,” says Mr. Del Mauro.
The Saint Barnabas System provides treatment and services for more than two million patients each year: 198,000 inpatients and Same Day Surgery patients; 452,000 Emergency Department patients; and 1.5 million outpatients; and delivers more than 18,300 babies annually. Over 18,200 employees, 4,600 physicians and 445 residents and interns are united in delivering the highest quality of care.
Among the nationally renowned services are: New Jersey’s only certified burn treatment facility, world-class cardiac surgery services for adults and children; the oldest heart transplant program in New Jersey ranked by volume in the top 10 in the nation; the only lung transplant program in New Jersey; one of the country’s most comprehensive robotic surgery services, six nationally certified chest pain centers; two kidney transplant centers which are in the top 10 of 240 programs in the country; a renowned neurology and neurosurgery program; comprehensive cancer services for adults and children; and renowned women’s and children’s services.
To contact the SBHCS, call Saint Barnabas Health Care Link by calling 1-888-SBHS-123 or 1-888-724-7123.
Date : November 15, 2010
CONTACT: Beth Salamon
973-322-4926
esalamon@barnabashealth.org
