Seizing the Wellness Opportunity—Now
to speak on behalf of their clubs, and the industry, about the powerful, positive impact that wise lifestyle choices and regular exercise can have on America’s health and healthcare costs.” (See “Climbing Tips for IHRSA’s 10th Annual Summit!” pg. 111.) Durkin points out that people can make a difference in that regard—much more than they realize. A survey of congressional staff by the Congressional Management Foundation (CMF) revealed that 46% of them believe that personal visits from voters “have a lot of influence” in persuading an undecided member of Congress, while only 8% say that visits by lobbyists have the same impact.
Virginia Collins, Gold’s Gym Franchisee Association, Alabama Governor Nathan Deal
“As provisions of the healthcare law begin to take effect and more people seek healthcare coverage, some experts believe that costs will continue to rise,” Durkin says. “If we drive home our message, health clubs can be part of the solution.” The need for effective action now is dire. Currently, national healthcare expenditures are said to total approximately $2.5 trillion a year, a staggering 75% of which can be attributed to lifestyle habits, such as physical inactivity, poor diet, and smoking. Studies have also shown that obese individuals spend nearly $1,500 more on healthcare costs, per year, than peo- ple of normal weight.
At the same time, according to one study by Trust
for America’s Health (TFAH), even a small, strategic investment in disease prevention—just $10 per year, per person, in community-based programs that address such lifestyle factors—could save the country more than $16 billion annually within five years. That would represent a return of $5.60 for every $1 invested.
IHRSA President and CEO Joe Moore
Helen Durkin, EVP, Global Public Policy, IHRSA
PHYSICIAN REFERRALS, WORKPLACE WELLNESS
U.S. Rep. Jeffrey Flake, l., Bill Staples, National Academy of Sports Medicine
Legislators will also be interested in knowing that more clubs are becoming part of the healthcare con- tinuum by creating relationships with physicians, so they, in turn, will prescribe exercise and refer their patients to IHRSA facilities. (See “Just What the Doctor Ordered,” March CBI, pg. 60.)
A national survey conducted by the Medical Fitness Circle of Health and Fitmarc, a fitness and wellness solutions provider, revealed that 24% of clubs now have a physician-referral program (PRP). “A PRP is a doctor-prescribed treatment plan for a patient that generally involves both patient education and physical activity,” explains Cary Wing, a business advisor to the medical fitness industry and a Summit attendee. “Qualified fitness professionals then work with physicians to develop the details of the prescription.” Apparently, doctors can use the support. In a survey conducted by the Institute of Lifestyle Medicine at
44 Club Business Internat ional | APRIL 2012 |
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