A new study conducted by the IBM Corporation found that employers are in a powerful position to positively affect the health not only of employees, but employees’ families.
“In 2008, IBM launched an Internet-based ‘children’s rebate program’ that let employees and their families choose from a selection of goals revolving around healthy eating, group physical activity, reduced ‘screen time’ and positive parental role-modeling. A $150 check was offered as incentive to complete the 12-week program.” - Source: Reuters
Of the more than 22,000 employees who signed up for the program, about 12,000 completed it. On average, children whose families participated in the program increased their physical activity by 16 percent. Screen time was reduced by 6 percent – not a lot, but an improvement none-the-less. IBM believes its model could be just as successful in other corporations, both large and small.
Posted By: My Overweight Child
