The Vitality Group Joins Efforts to Improve Health of U.S....( CHICAGO Sept. 17 /...),Health

CHICAGO, Sept. 17 /PRNewswire/ -- Today The Vitality Group, developer of an incentive-based health enhancement program, announced it has joined the U.S. Workplace Wellness Alliance to support efforts to make wellness and prevention part of the national discussion on health care reform. Both organizations support legislation designed to promote wellness and prevention, such as the Healthy Workforce Act of 2009 - which would provide a tax credit to companies that offer effective and comprehensive wellness programs.

"As the health reform discussion continues, it's important that we enact policies and put tools in place to engage and incentivize individuals to focus on health, wellness, prevention and early intervention, as well as encourage people to take personal responsibility for their health," said Dr. William Frist, former U.S. Senate Majority Leader and advisor to The Vitality Group's board of directors. "Maintaining a healthy and productive workforce is a key part of the solution to mitigate the trend of rising health care costs."

According to the U.S. Workplace Wellness Alliance, research indicates that incorporating wellness, prevention and chronic disease management programs into traditional health plans can increase worker productivity, reduce absenteeism, and lower health insurance costs. Workplace wellness programs have achieved a rate of return on investment ranging from $3 to $15 for each dollar invested with savings realized within 12 to 18 months.

"Employer wellness programs with properly aligned incentives have been found to be particularly effective in controlling health care costs and improving employee health," said Arthur C. Carlos, CEO of The Vitality Group. "The increased focus on wellness programs as part of the health reform agenda makes good business sense and comes at a critical time for U.S. companies struggling to remain co
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