Maricopa County Employees Scorecard for Wellness

Below you will find the aggregateData collected and reported by organizations as a sum or total over a given time period, for example, monthly or quarterly. results of the Biometric Screening and Health Risk Assessment completed as part of benefits open enrollment for FY 08/09 (Effective July 1, 2008). Over 7,500 Maricopa County employees participated in the Biometric Screening and over 7,600 completed the Health Risk Assessment.

Thank you to all who participated and have taken steps to improve their health as a result. From the initial push, below are the overall scores for Maricopa County employees.

CHOLESTEROL	BLOOD SUGAR	BLOOD PRESSURE	BODY COMPOSITION	TOBACCO USE	DEPRESSION/STRESS
37% High CholesterolCholesterol is a waxy, fat-like substance found in your body. In fact, it is needed for the body to function normally. Your body makes enough cholesterol for its needs. When there is too much cholesterol in your body, it is deposited in arteries, including those of the heart, which can lead to narrowing of the arteries and to heart disease.	7% Overall at Risk	37% Overall at Risk	71% Overall at Risk	12% Overall for Men and Women	28% Felt depressed or that problems were too much to deal with at least "a little of the time"
30% At Risk HDLHigh-Density Lipoprotein: is one of the 5 major groups of lipoproteins (chylomicrons, VLDL, IDL, LDL, HDL) which enable lipids like cholesterol and triglycerides to be transported within the water based blood stream. In healthy individuals, about thirty percent of blood cholesterol is carried by HDL.	21% SystolicThe first or top number represents the pressure when the heart contracts. This is called systolic pressure. at Risk	58% Women at Risk
24% At Risk based on Risk Ratio	54% DiastolicThe second or bottom number represents the pressure when the heart rests between beats. This is called diastolic pressure. at Risk	89% Men at Risk
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Click here for a list of Frequently Asked Questions	Click here if you have questions or ways to improve this page

CHOLESTEROL

BLOOD SUGAR

BLOOD PRESSURE

BODY COMPOSITION

TOBACCO USE

DEPRESSION/STRESS

37%
High

7%
Overall
at
Risk

37%
Overall
at Risk

71%
Overall
at Risk

12%
Overall
for Men
and Women

28%
Felt depressed or that
problems were too
much to deal with
at least "a little
of the time"

30%
At Risk

21%

at Risk

58%
Women
at Risk

24%
At Risk
based on
Risk Ratio

54%

at Risk

89%
Men
at Risk

More details...

Click here for a list of
Frequently Asked Questions

Click here if you have questions
or ways to improve this page

Helpful Hints

The following are 6 key areas if you want to make lifestyle changes to get a little bit healthier, one step at a time:

Physical Activity

Take the stairs whenever possible.
Find a support group who works out together. If you can't find one, create your own.
Find a lunchtime walking/running club or sports league.
Wear a pedometer and try to get more steps each day than the day before.
Take physical activity breaks throughout the day. During your break, take a brisk 10 minute walk. You will feel energized and recharged!
Trade exercise equipment with a friend.
Get fit for a good cause - Sign up and start training for a walk or run supporting your favorite charity.

Nutrition

Choose whole grains, fruits, vegetables and lean protein sources.
Plan ahead - Bring healthy snacks and meals to work.
When dining out, keep portion sizes, unhealthy fats and sugar levels in check.
Know healthy portion sizes.
Keep a food diary.
Choose high-protein, low fat choices that promote brain power and lasting energy for your busy schedule.

Body Weight

If weight loss is your goal, find a support group like Weight Watchers at Work.
If your goal is to decrease body fat, start a light weight training program.
Identify healthy food choices in cafeterias and vending machines so that you have an easy choice when a craving strikes.
Arrange for delivery of healthy prepared weight loss meals.
Get moving - try a walking program.
Set a goal, like working out once or twice a week to start. Give yourself a reward when you reach your goal.
If you already work out, boost the intensity!
Host a healthy recipe exchange with friends.

Stress

Take a 5 minute stress break.
Practice focused breathing exercises when stressed.
Attend a yoga or meditation class.
Get a massage.
Find an EAP provider to talk it out if problems seem to be more than you can handle.
Get plenty of sleep.
Work out - it releases endorphins and can help you release pent up energy and anxiety.

Tobacco Use

If quitting is your goal, try working with a coach or counselor who specializes in tobacco cessation.
Find alternatives when you crave a cigarette; take a brisk walk or meditate.
Join a quit support group.
Start a healthy life improvement strategy like working out or eating healthier. Taking small steps toward a healthier lifestyle builds your confidence and will help you reach your quit goal.
Talk to your doctor about available therapies that might help you quit.

Medication

Keep a current list of all medications you are taking. This includes vitamins, over-the-counter products and supplements.
Make sure you know the proper way to "take/use" each medication.
Make sure you are aware of any potential side-effects for your mediations.
Make sure your doctor(s) and pharmacist are aware of any allergies you might have to medications and to health conditions.

Cholesterol	High Cholesterol	At Risk HDL	At Risk Based on Risk Ratio
Cholesterol at risk	37%	30%	24%
Cholesterol: 37% of Maricopa County employees who were tested had a high cholesterol result. 30% were at risk from low HDL levels (good cholesterol), and 24% were at risk based on the ratio of total cholesterol to HDL level. From the Health Risk Assessment 25% of you indicated that you had been diagnosed with high cholesterol. High cholesterol is one of the major controllable risk factors for coronary heart disease, heart attack and stroke. As your cholesterol rises, so does your risk of coronary heart disease. If you have other risk factors (such as high blood pressure or diabetes) as well as high cholesterol, this risk increases even more. The good news is, if you received a high cholesterol result, you can see your doctor to learn ways to lower your cholesterol for good. He or she may suggest medication, healthy eating, exercise and maintaining a healthy body weight. Source: American Heart Association
24/7 Fitness Center		Cigna's Healthy Rewards
Waisting Away Incentive Weight Watchers Program		WellAware Disease Management Programs
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Blood Sugar	Overall At Risk
Blood glucose at risk	7%
Blood SugarThe main sugar found in the blood and the body's main source of energy. The A1c blood test is used to measure a person’s average blood sugar level over the past 2 to 3 months.: Overall 7% of all employees tested "at risk" for high blood sugar levels. High blood sugar levels can signal the onset of diabetes. In taking the H.R.A., 12% of employees indicated that they have been diagnosed with diabetes. This is almost double the CDC statistic of 6.3% for Maricopa County residents! It is estimated that 25% of people with diabetes don't even know they have it! Uncontrolled high blood sugar levels are associated with increased risk of serious complications like heart disease, stroke, high blood pressure, blindness, kidney disease, nervous system damage, gum disease, pregnancy complications and even increased risk of lower limb amputation, so it's important to see your doctor if you received a high blood sugar result. Source: American Diabetes Association www.Diabetes.org
Diabetes Management Program
Cigna's Healthy Rewards		Waisting Away Incentive Weight Watchers Program
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Blood Pressure	Overall at Risk	Systolic at Risk	Diastolic at Risk
High Blood Pressure Stage 1 and 2	37%	21%	54%
Pre-Hypertension	50%	46%	4%
Blood PressureBlood pressure is the force of blood against the artery walls. It is often written or stated as two numbers.: 37% of those tested showed stage I or II high blood pressure, or hypertension. That means their result was 140/90 or greater. Another 50% were in the "prehypertension" category, which is a blood pressure reading between 120/80 and 139/89. According to the Health Risk Assessment results, only 40% indicated they had been told they have high blood pressure. Maricopa County employees' results are quite a bit higher than national averages. US statistics show 1 in 3 Americans have high blood pressure, and 1/3 of those don't know they have it. High blood pressure is often called "the silent killer" because people who have it feel no symptoms. Untreated high blood pressure increases your risk of heart attack or stroke, hardening of the arteries, kidney failure, eye damage and other serious problems. If you have been told you have high blood pressure as a result of this screening, it is important that you take action right away and schedule a visit with your physician to discuss your options. Your doctor might recommend medication, salt restriction, healthy eating and exercise. If you are taking medication for blood pressure-lowering medication, it is important that you take it exactly as prescribed and do not skip a dose for any reason. Make sure that you and your family members have a blood pressure check regularly. Source: American Heart Association www.AmericanHeart.org, American Stroke Association www.StrokeAssociation.org
Cigna's Healthy Rewards		Weight Watchers at Work
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Body Composition	Overall at Risk	Women at Risk	Men at Risk
Body Fat Percentage - Included over-fat and obese only	71%	58%	89%
Body Fat Percentage - Includes above average	82%	74%	94%
Body CompositionRefers to the ratio of an individual's percentage of fatty mass to fat free tissue mass(i.e. muscle, organs, etc.).: Overall 75% of us are overweight based on BMIBody Mass Index (BMI) is a number calculated from a person’s weight and height. To calculate your BMI you would divide your weight in pounds by height in inches squared, times 703. Example: If you weighed 135 lbs. and you were 5'8" tall, you would first convert your height into inches, 5'8" = 68"; Multiply 68 by 68, for a product of 4,624, then divide 135 by 4,624, and multiply your answer by 703, which in this case would be 20.52 resulting in a BMI of 21%. results. And the number goes up to 82% when you include those who may be a healthy weight but have a higher than recommended percentage of body fat. In addition, fat located around your waistline is more strongly associated with health risks like heart disease, diabetes and certain cancers, colon cancer in particular. 58% of our female employees have a waist measurement greater than 35 inches which puts them at risk. 25% of male employees are at risk with a waist measurement greater than 40 inches. Virtually everyone has tried to lose weight at one time or another. A great first step is get moving! ACSM and the American Heart Association's updated physical activity guidelines recommend at least 30 minutes of activity on five days per week or more. These 30 minutes can be accumulated in bouts of 10-15 minutes. Activities can be as easy as walking, cycling, jogging or gardening. For more information about body composition, click here. Source: American Institute for Cancer Research, American College of Sports Medicine
Registered Dietician Network		Normal Weight Obesity: An article from Mayo Clinic
Weight Watchers at Work		Cigna's Healthy Rewards
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Depression/Stressa condition of general emotional dejection and withdrawal; sadness greater and more prolonged than that warranted by any objective reason	Felt depressed or that problems were too much to deal with at least "a little of the time"
	28%
In the pre-screening questionnaire, 28% of employees indicated that they felt depressed or felt like their problems were too much to deal with at least a little of the time. 17% of those who took the Health Risk Assessment were categorized as "emotionally unfulfilled". Employees might benefit from talking with a counselor or therapist if you feel depressed, anxious, have panic attacks, experience stress, relationship issues, or think you may have a potential eating disorder, drug or alcohol problem. Your EAP benefit provides eight visits with a counselor or therapist per issue, per person at no charge to talk through your struggles. Call 1-888-213-5125 or go to www.MagellanHealth.com/member for more information, resources, referrals and support.
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Biometric Screening &
Health Risk Assessment Scorecard

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Helpful Hints

Tobacco Use	Overall	Women	Men
	12%	12%	12%
Congratulations, only 12% of Maricopa County employees answered that they use tobacco! According to Arizona statistics, approximately 20% of all Arizona residents still smoke, even knowing the health risks involved, like lung cancer, emphysema, heart disease, stroke and other cancers. If you currently use tobacco, there's no time like the present to quit, or at least cut down. You can reap healthy benefits within minutes of quitting. Source: American Lung Association
Arizona Smoker's Helpline
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Biometric Screening & Health Risk Assessment Scorecard

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Helpful Hints

Biometric Screening &
Health Risk Assessment Scorecard