Marilyn Miller, executive director of the Vermont
Automobile Dealers Association
VERMONT AUTOMOBILE DEALERS ASSOCIATION, INC.
July 12, 2006
The
Vermont Automobile Dealers Association Insurance Trustees
first contracted with Dr. Bernie Noe of Green Mountain Wellness
Solutions (GMWS) in 2005 to conduct comprehensive wellness
screenings for employees at each dealership followed up with
personalized health reports sent to each participant itemizing
his/her results with specific comments and recommendations
for change; i.e., diet, exercise, recommended screening tests.
The screenings were followed up with a Pedometer Challenge
Program, the success of which surprised even the most cynical
of our members. Seventy five percent of our dealerships participated
because GMWS made it easy for our dealership benefits managers
to administer. The thoughtful attention to detail and personalized
aspect of these programs has had a significant impact on our
members in terms of awareness, behavior change and overall
dealership morale.
We held similar screenings in 2006 and have recently received
an aggregate report comparing the progress of members over
the past year. The results are impressive with significant
improvement in nearly all risk factors measured which translates
to real savings in direct and indirect health care costs to
the dealers enrolled in the Insurance Trust and our employees.
We just recently created a Wellness Advisory Committee comprised
of Group Benefits Managers to provide input and feedback for
the next phase of our program. We have received a substantial
return on our investment in Wellness through GMWS, both in
terms of claims reduction and overall better health for our
insureds.
Marilyn Miller
Executive Director
Dean Gallison, an employee at Walker Motors in Montpelier,
VT
Dean
Gallison works in the parts department at Walker Motors in
Montpelier. At last year’s screening, he discovered
that he had high cholesterol and high blood sugar. This prompted
him to go see his regular doctor who confirmed that he has
type 2 diabetes. He now takes medication and is losing weight
through regular physical activity. “My wife takes me
for walks. I’m her new pet,” says John. “(The
wellness screening) was a real eye opener. I didn’t
feel sick. If I hadn’t been tested here I probably would
have never gone and figured anything out.” Sadly, John’s
brother just lost his eyesight to diabetes, but John reports
that because he discovered his high blood sugar early and
went to see his doctor, his blood sugar is controlled with
medication and physical activity. “It’s an awesome
deal. Other people don’t take advantage of (the wellness
screenings). I just don’t understand why.”
Audrey Barrows, an employee at McMahon Chevrolet in Morrisville,
VT
Audrey
Barrows works in sales at McMahon Chevrolet in Morrisville.
At last year's wellness screening, Audrey was told that she
was having problems with borderline blood pressure, obesity,
and an elevated cholesterol to HDL ratio. "I don't believe
in pills. I'd do almost anything to avoid taking them," says
Audrey. "I started walking with the pedometer program, I started
going to Curves, and I started being careful about the things
I ate - not dieting per se. I started eating more fruits and
vegetables, and less red meat." As a result of her efforts,
Audrey reports, "It's just amazing how much more energy I've
got. My blood pressure is under control and I feel a ton better."
She also reports that she lost 35 pounds in ten months and
the arthritis in her knees has stopped troubling her. Congratulations
Audrey!
VERMONT AUTOMOBILE DEALERS ASSOCIATION, INC.
The
Vermont Automobile Dealers Association Insurance Trustees
first contracted with Dr. Bernie Noe of Green Mountain Wellness
Solutions (GMWS) in 2005 to conduct comprehensive wellness
screenings for employees at each dealership followed up with
personalized health reports sent to each participant itemizing
his/her results with specific comments and recommendations
for change; i.e., diet, exercise, recommended screening tests.
The screenings were followed up with a Pedometer Challenge
Program, the success of which surprised even the most cynical
of our members. Seventy five percent of our dealerships participated
because GMWS made it easy for our dealership benefits managers
to administer. The thoughtful attention to detail and personalized
aspect of these programs has had a significant impact on our
members in terms of awareness, behavior change and overall
dealership morale.
Dean
Gallison works in the parts department at Walker Motors in
Montpelier. At last year’s screening, he discovered
that he had high cholesterol and high blood sugar. This prompted
him to go see his regular doctor who confirmed that he has
type 2 diabetes. He now takes medication and is losing weight
through regular physical activity. “My wife takes me
for walks. I’m her new pet,” says John. “(The
wellness screening) was a real eye opener. I didn’t
feel sick. If I hadn’t been tested here I probably would
have never gone and figured anything out.” Sadly, John’s
brother just lost his eyesight to diabetes, but John reports
that because he discovered his high blood sugar early and
went to see his doctor, his blood sugar is controlled with
medication and physical activity. “It’s an awesome
deal. Other people don’t take advantage of (the wellness
screenings). I just don’t understand why.”.jpg)
Audrey
Barrows works in sales at McMahon Chevrolet in Morrisville.
At last year's wellness screening, Audrey was told that she
was having problems with borderline blood pressure, obesity,
and an elevated cholesterol to HDL ratio. "I don't believe
in pills. I'd do almost anything to avoid taking them," says
Audrey. "I started walking with the pedometer program, I started
going to Curves, and I started being careful about the things
I ate - not dieting per se. I started eating more fruits and
vegetables, and less red meat." As a result of her efforts,
Audrey reports, "It's just amazing how much more energy I've
got. My blood pressure is under control and I feel a ton better."
She also reports that she lost 35 pounds in ten months and
the arthritis in her knees has stopped troubling her. Congratulations
Audrey!