US Surgeon General Recommendations

Recommendation # 1:

For the reduction of coronary heart disease, it is suggested that individuals accumulate at least 30 minutes of moderate physical activity on most days of the week.

Recommendation #2:

All adults should do strength-training exercises at least twice per week in order to improve musculoskeletal health, maintain independence in performing the activities of daily life and reduce the risk of falling.

A study of the novel practices of Mutual of Omaha Insurance Co. found that the company reimburses for an alternative coronary heart disease intervention that involves lifestyle modifications (as opposed to surgery or drugs). In its first year, 82% of the patients showed signs of reversal of coronary artery disease. The company has emphasised the program’s cost-effectiveness; the intervention costs $3,500 per participant as opposed to about $43,000 for bypass surgery and $18,000 for angioplasty.

Worksite Wellness: 20-year Cost Benefit Analysis and Report: 1979-1998
University Of Michigan Health Management Research Centre: 1998