pulse YOUR GUIDE TO BETTER WORKPLACE HEALTH

Spring 2009

www.hsagroup.com.au

Australian workers urged to move it or lose it! > Healthy Workers = Healthy Business – Telephonic health coaching > Medibank Health Solutions – A new picture of health > Beat Diabetes – A short course to a long life

COVER STORY

Australian workers urged to move it or lose it! A landmark study has confirmed what many suspected for a long time—Australian workers are risking their health by spending the majority of their workday sitting down. The Stand Up Australia study, conducted by Medibank in conjunction with Baker IDI Heart and Diabetes Institute, monitored the activity levels of 131 office, call centre and retail workers, revealing an average 77 percent of work time is spent sitting. Prolonged sitting time leaves workers at risk of poor health linked to Type 2 Diabetes, obesity and heart disease. One of the surprise findings was that the problem appears to be equally significant across different business areas. The amount of time spent sitting for the three study groups was: > 73% retail workers

“The fact that the rates are as close as they are should serve as a big wake-up call to business and inspire them to take steps to get their people moving,” she added. “Some of the simple things workplaces can do include promoting standing meetings, encouraging stair use and holding physical activity sessions.”

“One of the surprise findings was that the problem appears to be equally significant across different business areas.” Another key finding was the discrepancy between how much physical activity workers thought they were engaged in and how much they actually did.

> 76% office workers > 82% call centre workers “We thought there would be a much bigger difference in the level of sedentary behaviour between call centre workers and those working in retail and offices,” Medibank’s Program Manager Health and Wellbeing, Nicole Adamson, said.

g in ov m s ee y lo p em et g to s ie g Strate tings  Stand up mee e lking on the phon  Stand when ta  Use the stairs ds long sitting perio  Breaks during minars  Workplace se

 Health checks ty sessions  Physical activi

lerometers

ce  Pedometers/ac

The study used a device called an accelerometer to objectively record the duration and intensity of movement, as well as participant-recorded diaries and questionnaires. Two thirds of participants self-reported they achieved the recommended national benchmark of 150 minutes of moderate-intensity physical activity each week. However, the objectively measured data recorded by the accelerometers showed that only one third met the target. “The disconnect between how much activity people think they are doing and how active they actually are adds to the imperative to get employees moving,’ Ms Adamson said. “It will always be a challenge to get people to be more active. But the research shows the benefits are there for all—a healthier individual and a more productive workforce.”

For information on how we can help get your employees moving, see contacts listed at “A new picture of Health” or visit www.medibank.com.au/about-us/publications.aspx to download or view a range of research reports.

Get vaccinated for h1ni influenza (swine flu) now Did you know you can obtain the swine flu vaccine through all Travel Doctor -TMVC clinics or at your workplace through Health for Industry? The vaccine, is available to all *Australians however those in higher-risk groups eg. Health workers, pregnant women, Indigenous people and those with chronic health conditions such as obesity, diabetes and heart disease, should consider vaccinating sooner rather than later.

While this vaccine is available now, it does not protect against the seasonal influenza viruses. To contact us, or for expert advice and information on the risk of flu (pandemic, swine, avian, seasonal varieties), including preventative health information for travellers and workplaces, please visit www.fluthreat.com.au *initially those 10 years and over

Extending a hand in Nepal Karen Longley from Health for Industry, Mark Broadhurst from ahm—trekked into Junbesi where they spent three days working with others from Australia and Canada. Their work focused on extending the clinic and improving its facilities, including building living quarters for staff so that it can offer services to the community around the clock.

Deborah Judd from the Travel Doctor– TMVC pulls nails out of old roof timber; the community sold the recycled wood and nails to raise money for the clinic.

Five HSA staff, along with a colleague from ahm (also a division of Medibank) recently returned from the remote Nepalese village of Junbesi where they worked to upgrade the Kushudebu Public Health Mission. The Kushudebu Mission aims to improve the health of the orphaned and disadvantaged in the region and to reduce the rate of premature and preventable death. The volunteers—Emilee Trinder and Deborah Judd from the Travel Doctor–TMVC, Michelle Cumming and Fiona Lyon from Work Solutions,

Sponsored by the Travel Doctor– TMVC, the project was coordinated through the World Expeditions’ not-for-profit Community Travel Program. This program offers ‘volun-tourism-style’ adventures for everyday travellers, combining adventure travel with the opportunity to spend time working on community projects to improve the lives of local communities. The Travel Doctor–TMVC looked after travel health needs, funding for materials and hiring of local labour for the project, while the HSA Community Fund provided financial support. Medibank PHI teamed up to support the group with travel insurance.

Benefits also flowed the other way. “As well as contributing to an important project, our volunteers brought back valuable personal, professional and leadership skills,” Travel Doctor–TMVC GM Brock Cambourne said. “The project also enabled us to give something back to one of the destinations that many of our travellers visit.”

NewsBreak

The Travel Doctor-TMVC’s Brisbane clinic recently hosted the Founder and President of the Kushudebu Public Health Mission, Ang Tshering Sherpa, to confirm that the Travel Doctor-TMVC would be continuing its support in 2010. Ang was in Brisbane as part of a Clinton Global Initiative Scholarship, awarded to him in recognition of his efforts in establishing the Kushudebu Clinic. The scholarship, funded by Sarina Russo Education, will see Ang spending time at James Cook University to build on his business management skills.

The Kushudebu Public Health Mission said all the hard work inspired and encouraged them to continue their work. “We really appreciate their efforts and kindness and do hope to get benefit from their support in the future.”

President of the Kushudebu Public Health Mission, Ang Tshering Sherpa, & Travel Doctor– TMVC National Manager, Brock Cambourne.

Healthy workers = healthy business

Forty per cent of corporate Australia suffers from three or more health risks1 which have the potential to negatively impact productivity, absenteeism and workplace injury, according to Total Health ( a division of Medibank). To minimise health risks—eg. excess weight, high blood pressure, lack of exercise, smoking and stress—and boost productivity, the company has pioneered an evidence-based health program.

International evidence further backs the value of telephonic health coaching.

A study by the world renowned Mayo Clinic in the US into telephonic health coaching found 56% of participants on weight loss programs lost weight, 51% of those enrolled Based on telephonic health coaching, the program gives in the fitness module increased their exercise, and 34% of employees phone access to their own health consultant those aiming to quit smoking to help them make longwere successful. term, healthy changes. Based on telephonic health coaching, the

program gives employees phone access to “Willpower alone is often not “The strength of our enough to achieve lasting program is three-fold,” Total their own health consultant changes,” Mr Keir said. Health’s Head of Operations, Jason Keir, said. “It offers “With our program, Australian workers can access a flexibility and convenience to today’s busy workers, is proven service which gives them the motivation, tools delivered by experts and has quantifiable outcomes. and techniques to make permanent change.” “Data we’ve collected from tracking over 5000 To find out more, contact Mick Donohoe at Total Health participants showed that after 12 weeks, 96 per cent on m: 0408 689 958 or e: [email protected] made better food choices, 84 per cent increased their exercise and 64 per cent lost weight.” 1 (ahm Corporate Benchmark database 2009 n = 8,014).

How businesses can help beat diabetes To help prevent the onset of Type 2 Diabetes in Australian workers, HSA (a division of Medibank) recently launched a government lifestyle health management program (80 per cent of costs are paid by the Australian Government). Called ‘Beat Diabetes—A short course for a long life’, the program draws on studies from China, the US and Finland which show that sustainable lifestyle interventions reduce the incidence of Type 2 Diabetes by up to 58 per cent.

Impact on Australian workforce*

Type 2 Diabetes is one of today’s most pressing lifestyle health issues with over 90,000 new cases diagnosed every year. In terms of the workforce it’s estimated that around: • 3 2,000 Australian workers will be diagnosed with the disease in a given year

• 3 60,000 Australian workers are currently at high risk of developing the disease.

“Up to 60% of cases of type 2 diabetes can be prevented” Direct cost to Australian employers is 1.9% of GDP or approximately $17.6 billion. The good news is Type 2 Diabetes is largely preventable if risk factors such as obesity, inactivity and poor diet are controlled.

What’s in it for business?

Diabetes is a chronic disease and someone with a chronic disease is twice as likely to have a day off work in a given fortnight compared to someone without. How does it work? The program, delivered by dieticians, exercise physiologists and diabetes educators, works by combining education and motivation in eight group sessions over six months. To find out more or to register your interest in the program, call 03 9224 8800 or email [email protected] *Statistics in this section extrapolated by HSA from ABS and Diabetes Australia data

Colin Bechly, Health for Industry Northside Clinic Manager, presenting medals to Aussie swimmers.

Australia finishes on top at World Transplant Games Eleven volunteers from Health for Industry and Medibank were on hand to see Australia top the gold medal count at the 17th World Transplant Games held at the Gold Coast in August. The World Games are held every two years for people between the age of four to 85 who have received a life-saving organ transplant and are on immunosuppressant medication. This year’s event attracted around 2000 participants competing across 14 sports including athletics, swimming, cycling and rowing. All up Australia won 86 gold medals, followed by the UK with 85 and USA with 46. Our staff became involved as part of our company-wide commitment to Transplant Australia and their Teamlife initiatives. All volunteers relished the task, which included assisting athletes at events, timekeeping, first aid, and presenting medals.

To register to become a donor visit www.transplant.org.au “It was such a great and positive experience, especially hearing the athletes’ personal stories,” Katie Biddle, Support Services Manager Health for Industry Brisbane said. “I was amazed by their achievements. But I think the main thing we all got out of it was a greater awareness of how organ donation can transform lives and the need to register to become a donor.”

A new picture of health

Health Services Australia (HSA) joined Medibank Private on 1 April 2009 to become Australia’s largest integrated provider of health insurance and health services. Medibank Health Solutions

® As a client of the new look Health Solutions Division, you can now access a wider range of preventative health solutions. These include telephonic health coaching, lifestyle management programs for chronic diseases such as diabetes and online and face-to-face health services and behavioural change programs. This new offering complements our range of work and travel-related medical, physical and psychological health solutions, and provides access to Medibank Private health insurance for your workforce.

All in all, it adds up to better value for you and better solutions to manage your own health and the health and productivity of your workforce. To find out more about how we can give your company a healthy advantage, contact: • QLD, NSW, ACT – Michael Reid 02 8297 5035 • VIC, TAS, SA – David O’Hanlon 03 8622 6140 • WA, NT – Lara Watling 08 9265 9022

Staff profile

Dr Grant Tschirn

Consultant Occupational Physician, Health for Industry, Adelaide Congratulations to Dr Grant Tschirn for winning the 2009 Ramazzini Prize at the Annual Scientific Meeting of the Australasian Faculty of Occupational and Environmental Medicine (AFOEM). The award is presented annually to the AFOEM trainee who presents the best scientific paper, as judged by a panel of three senior physicians.

Dr Tschirn, whose passion for occupational medicine was sparked in his early career as a doctor with the Royal Australian Air Force, has been a trainee occupational physician with Health for Industry for five years. His special interest lies in chemical and physical hazards, and this was reflected in his award winning paper which examined the impact on lung function of working conditions at a zinc smelter.

Heather McDonald

Clinical Program Manager, Total Health With a career background which includes general nursing, midwifery, working at the Australian Council on Health Care standards and Director Clinical Effectiveness at ACT Community Care, Heather McDonald brings a unique mix of clinical, quality and safety expertise to her role.

The prize is named after the ‘founder of occupational medicine’, eighteenth century Italian physician Bernadino Ramazzini. Dr Tschirn’s paper was one of seven in the running in a field described by the AFOEM as being of an ‘exceptional standard’ and he is keen to further his research interests in occupational medicine.

Staff profile

As Clinical Program Manager, her primary responsibility is to inculcate the highest standards of safety and quality into all Total Health’s clinical programs. She does this by ensuring appropriate clinical governance, data collection, training support, risk management strategies and accreditation.

Heather joined Total Health (now a part of the Health Solutions Division of Medibank) in 2008 because she wanted to get back into service delivery. She relishes seeing first hand the health improvements her clients achieve through preventative health and chronic disease management programs and working with a ‘great team of dedicated health coaches’.

And the winner is... Congratulations to David Holloway from Total Health, Wollongong for winning the 2009 Michael Pincus Award. The prize was awarded to David at the recent HSA Professional Conference, and honours the late Dr Michael Pincus for his contribution to excellence and innovation in health services. David’s submission entitled Virtual Worlds: Realising Health and Business Outcomes with Emerging Technologies demonstrated the three key criteria for the award:

> identify future opportunities for HSA to broaden and deepen its professional services to clients (including through research and data collection and analysis);

michael PINCUS

> t he pursuit of professional excellence on behalf of corporate clients; and > an original perspective on topical, contentious or complex aspects of occupational, travel, migration, or public health and injury management We take this opportunity to thank all participants and applaud your passion and enthusiasm for a better picture of health for all HSA clients.

To subscribe or unsubscribe to this newsletter, or to update your address details, please email [email protected] or fax the information below to 03 8622 5178. Please

❏

add me to the mailing list for this newsletter

❏

award

update my details

Name.................................................................................................................................................................. Position.............................................................................................................................................................. Company............................................................................................................................................................ Address............................................................................................................................................................... Phone................................................................................................................................................................... Email....................................................................................................................................................................

❏

remove me from this mailing list Publisher HSA Group Editor Day & Hodge Associates Design visualism.com.au For more information please visit www.hsagroup.com.au