Two years ago, Regence unveiled internal wellness programs designed to get employees to stop smoking, shed extra pounds, work out regularly, and learn to manage stress levels.
An internal website at Regence gave employees access to health-education materials, a place to record exercise, read online health advice, download healthy recipes and sign-up to receive daily health tips by e-mail. The goal was to help workers live healthier lives, and hopefully in turn curb absenteeism and improve productivity. And according to Denise Johnson, human resources director for benefits at Regence, it worked. “Nearly half of the company's work force jumped on the band wagon and participated in wellness programs,” she explained.
Today, Regence has made wellness programs available to Regence members on myRegence.com—a custom online site for members that provides personalized assistance designed to promote and reward healthy behaviors.
Regence Online Wellness Programs include
| 1. Easy Start | 6. Stress Relief |
| 2. Healthier Diet | 7. Healthy Aging |
| 3. Weight Loss | 8. Fighting Diabetes |
| 4. Get in Shape | 9. Fighting Cancer |
| 5. Smoke-Free | 10. Healthy Heart |
"What's really important when you offer a broad-based health program is that you have something for everyone," said Denise Johnson, Regence's human resources benefits director. "Not everyone can do strength-based exercise programs, so we need to have programs for everyone regardless of their circumstances."
When asked about wellness programs, John Stellmon, president of Regence BlueShield of Idaho replied, “Healthy lives start with awareness; with each of us being aware of our own personal health status. I'm determined to change behaviors that I know aren't good for me. And each time I do something that's good for me, the next step is a little easier.”
Mark Ganz, president and CEO of Regence agreed, stating, “Each choice we make, no matter how small, can eventually lead to better health - and to transforming the way we think about health.”
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myRegence.com is a member-only website designed to advise Regence members on health care and lifestyle options, navigate through the health care system, and reward healthy choices. Get motivated to start your program. Read members' success stories |
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Every week, as a participant, you receive a friendly e-mail message that reminds you of your weekly goal and links you to an online To-Do List that will help you achieve that goal with an easy to follow, step-by-step plan. The accompanying website also provides a place to record progress, access educational resources, and use interactive tools designed to help you progress toward your goals.
“It helps to get that weekly re-enforcement,” stated Catherine Duke, a recent graduate of the online Stress Relief Program. “Each time I went to that website, I'd learn a little something new about how to reduce stress in my life.”
“When I can name something, it's not so big and scary,” said Duke. “The program helped me to identify my stress triggers. That helped me to stay clearly aware of them so they didn't add up, and encouraged me to have a holistic view of health.”
In addition to offering educational information, strategies, and techniques for a particular focus area, each Regence Online Wellness Program also has an online Progress Tracker that lets you log in your weight, nutrition, exercise, and stress levels throughout the duration of a program. And when you've completed your program, it's easy to choose a new one. Or, maintain your healthy progress with the Healthy Living Program which provides continued access to all your tools and online trackers, plus personalized resources based on your unique interests.
Feeling her Stress Relief program was a success, Catherine Duke decided to continue with another program called Healthy Heart. “I really like the Diet Manager that lets me track what I eat,” said Duke. “When you're working all the time, it's kind of nice to get suggestions about what to eat for lunch or dinner to stay healthy.”