News from this past week.

New IBI Research Finds CFOs Play Critical Role in Health Care Benefits Decisions
Sacramento Bee
C-suite understands the impact of employee health on financial performance and ability to compete in a global economy SAN FRANCISCO, Feb. 13, 2012 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ — According to …

Fewer Americans Have Employer-Based Health Insurance
Gallup.com
WASHINGTON, DC — Fewer Americans got their health insurance from an employer in 2011 (44.6%) than in 2010 (45.8%), continuing the downward trend Gallup and Healthways have documented since 2008. As employer-based health insurance has declined, …

Exercise a Defense Against Dementia: Study
HealthDay News
Here’s another reason to get into shape: Physical activity may reduce the risk of dementia-related death, according to a new study. Researchers assessed the health of more than 45,000 men and nearly 15,000 women, ages 20 to 88 years, in the United States and grouped them into one of three fitness categories — low, middle or high.

US Healthcare Costs Annual Growth Rates Show Broad Based Increases in December …
MarketWatch
Across the board, healthcare costs as measured by annual rates of change went up in the last month of the year. The S&P Healthcare Economic Composite Index indicates that the average per capita cost of healthcare services covered by commercial …

Many employers are looking to boost participation in employee health programs by incorporating emerging game mechanics and strategies. Game techniques — like challenges, rewards, competition and leadership — appeal to the players’ emotions and provide a sense of achievement and pride. If designed properly, game mechanics can be successfully added into workplace wellness programs to amplify results and build engagement and excitement.

Join us tomorrow, Wednesday, February 15^th at 2:00pm ET to hear from experts in both game mechanics and corporate health programs. You’ll see how game techniques can help you reach the ‘end-game’ — lower healthcare costs, along with happier, healthier and more productive employees. Tom Abshire (Senior Vice President, Marketing and Member Engagement at Virgin HealthMiles) and Justin Beck (Chairman and CEO at PerBlue, Inc.) will review:

• The role of game techniques in corporate health programs.
• How game strategies including challenges, incentives and social interaction can boost employee participation in your wellness programs.
• Tips to consider when adding gaming components at your organization.
• How metrics and testing can help you achieve success in your game mechanics strategy.

The event will be hosted by Human Resource Executive and is sponsored by Virgin HealthMiles. Register for the event and join us tomorrow.

The power of senior-level support in helping employees make healthy decisions and  some good old fashioned competitive spirit were recently on display in the first ever “Beat the Chief” challenge, sponsored by Virgin HealthMiles.  During the two-week challenge, Virgin HealthMiles CEO Chris Boyce and Tom Linebarger, CEO of one of the company’s leading clients, Columbus, Indiana-based Cummins, put it all on the line to see which executive could burn the most calories.  At stake was a $1,000 donation to the charity of the winner’s choice.

The competition was fierce, with both Boyce and Linebarger tracking their daily calorie burn and progress using Polar™ heart rate monitors and the HealthMiles program’s tools. The two also engaged in some friendly, motivational “trash talk” on the challenge’s website throughout the event.  In the end, Boyce was crowned this year’s champ, with an impressive 58,951 calories burned. Boyce said he’ll donate his $1,000 winner’s prize to Virgin Unite.  And in the spirit of the competition, Boyce said he’ll also donate $1,000 to Tom Linebarger’s charity of choice, Gleaners Food Bank of Indiana.

“Chris’ activity level was impressive and he outperformed me,” said Linebarger. “I received a lot of encouragement and support from Cummins employees from all over. The notes of encouragement, the healthy lunches and delivering exercise equipment to my office all helped keep me motivated. At Cummins we offer many health resources to our employees and their families. I hope this competition helps emphasize the importance of making a steady effort to stay healthy for the long term.”

“Tom is one of the most active and fit CEOs I know, which is reflected in the emphasis Cummins places on creating a healthy workforce,” said Boyce. “Tom’s outstanding daily performance in the challenge inspired me to kick up my activity level a few notches to keep pace with him. And knowing our employees were working hard to best our progress was also incredibly motivational. Challenges like ‘Beat the Chief’ provide important motivation for Virgin HealthMiles members to stay physically active.  I’m honored to have won this year’s competition, and am pleased to donate the prize to Virgin Unite and Gleaners Food Bank of Indiana.”

Employees Literally ‘Sweat it Out’ to Best CEOs’ Performance
Employees from both Virgin HealthMiles and Cummins (U.S. and U.K) also took part in the competition to see whether they could burn more calories and beat their respective CEOs’ performance. The top contenders from the companies were: Karl S. (32,950 total calories, Cummins U.S.), Johannes S. (29,535 total calories, Cummins U.K), and Dustin A. (17,617 total calories, Virgin HealthMiles).  In recognition of their top place finishes, each of these individuals will receive $1,000 from their companies to donate to a charity of their choice.

Learn more about the Beat the Chief challenge at www.beatthechief.com.