Reducing healthcare costs
through prevention
“an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure”
In healthcare, “Prevention” refers generally to proactive measures taken to identify and
mitigate health risks, promote well-being, and improve overall health outcomes.
This can involve a range of disparate factors, but research has confirmed that the principle contribution to health care costs is behavioral. It makes sense, then, that an approach designed to elicit better behavioral choices would lead to lower health care costs, both for the individual and the insurance provider. More importantly, such choices would also positively impact the health and quality of life of the individual.
Sláinte Health Solutions has developed a powerful and accessible approach to “Prevention”.
It is a person-centered, behaviorally based program built on a foundation of exercise and resistance training, designed to elicit better behavioral choices from its participants.
This can involve a range of disparate factors, but research has confirmed that the principle contribution to health care costs is behavioral. It makes sense, then, that an approach designed to elicit better behavioral choices would lead to lower health care costs, both for the individual and the insurance provider. More importantly, such choices would also positively impact the health and quality of life of the individual.
Sláinte Health Solutions has developed a powerful and accessible approach to “Prevention”.
It is a person-centered, behaviorally based program built on a foundation of exercise and resistance training, designed to elicit better behavioral choices from its participants.
the program elements of sláinte health solutions include …
- Resistance training to increase strength, muscle mass and bone density
- Exercise guidance to increase daily physical activity
- Hydration information to learn about healthy fluid and electrolyte needs
- Mobility/Flexibility training to enhance and support pain-free movement
- Barefoot training to improve balance, stability and overall foot/ankle strength
- Cognitive training to improve memory, attention and problem-solving
Note:
- All program elements are digitally available and expertly coached.
- The Sláinte website also includes an extensive FAQ together with the opportunity to contact our expert staff for guidance and support.
- Research links to these program elements, listed above, show that the health outcomes they produce have a positive impact on wellness and healthcare costs.
Health outcomes of sláinte health solutions include…
Increased Muscle Mass
Enhanced Bone Growth and Development
Improved Joint Health and Flexibility
Boosted Metabolism – Supporting Healthy Weight Management
Reduced Risk of CHD, Diabetes, Arthritis, LBP
Reduced Anxiety and Depression
Improved Mood, Self-Confidence and Cognitive Function
Increased Energy and Stamina for Activities of Daily Living
Reduced Fall Risk - Better Balance, Greater Independence
Reducing the Financial
Cost of Health Care
As described by the examples here, research has consistently found that regular physical activity-based lifestyle
changes in the form of strengthening exercise, aerobic exercise and other related behaviors has
a significant health protective effect – either directly improving health or reducing health risk.
Over the last decade or so other research has specifically investigated the cost savings of physical activity and there is now a substantial body of evidence showing that participation in regular physical activity significantly reduces the direct financial costs of health care services
Over the last decade or so other research has specifically investigated the cost savings of physical activity and there is now a substantial body of evidence showing that participation in regular physical activity significantly reduces the direct financial costs of health care services
Two national surveys serve as examples of this finding
A recent decade-long US survey with more than 21,000 participants analyzed how lifetime participation in leisure-time physical activity from adolescence (15–18 years), into early (19–29 years), middle (35–39 years) and later adulthood (43–64 years) was associated with subsequent Medicare costs. Data was collected by self-report and compared with a similarly aged group who were consistently inactive.
Compared to inactive participants, the greatest annual savings ($1,874/ year) were found for older adults who increased and maintained their physical activity levels in early adulthood Savings of between $824 and $1,350/year were also found for adults who increased or maintained physical activity in middle age. The survey authors concluded that
A recent decade-long US survey with more than 21,000 participants analyzed how lifetime participation in leisure-time physical activity from adolescence (15–18 years), into early (19–29 years), middle (35–39 years) and later adulthood (43–64 years) was associated with subsequent Medicare costs. Data was collected by self-report and compared with a similarly aged group who were consistently inactive.
Compared to inactive participants, the greatest annual savings ($1,874/ year) were found for older adults who increased and maintained their physical activity levels in early adulthood Savings of between $824 and $1,350/year were also found for adults who increased or maintained physical activity in middle age. The survey authors concluded that
“the healthcare cost burden in later life could be reduced through promotion efforts supporting physical activity participation throughout adulthood.”
NOTE: This paper also references several other studies with similar findings.
A second paper set out to estimate the economic effect of moderate-vigorous physical activity (PA) on medical expenditures related to cardiovascular disease (CVD). Data was collected from a nationally representative sample of ~25,000 individuals with and without CVD. PA was self- reported and assessed according to the 2008 National Physical Activity Guidelines.
The survey found that participants with an optimal cardiac risk factor profile who met the national PA guidelines had a mean annual medical expenditure of $2,328.
In comparison, participants with a poor cardiac risk factor profile who did not meet the PA guidelines had a mean annual medical expenditure of $5,475.
The authors concluded that
The survey found that participants with an optimal cardiac risk factor profile who met the national PA guidelines had a mean annual medical expenditure of $2,328.
In comparison, participants with a poor cardiac risk factor profile who did not meet the PA guidelines had a mean annual medical expenditure of $5,475.
The authors concluded that
“… lower health care expenditures and resource utilization was associated with moderate-vigorous PA, regardless of CVD status.”
NOTE: This paper also references several other studies with similar findings.