Global Conference 2014

The Business Case for Wellness: Is a Wellness Dollar Worth More than a Treatment Dollar?

Tuesday, April 29, 2014 / 10:45 am - 11:45 am


Rising health-care costs are a national concern, and the future looks worrisome. A substantial portion of the economic burden is tied to the treatment of chronic diseases, such as hypertension, diabetes, and heart disease. The aging of the population, the projected rise in obesity and constant workplace stress may magnify the incidence of these ailments. And this is a global threat, not just a U.S. concern. Yet the evidence is strong that behavioral changes can reduce incidence and costs as well. Is this a matter of personal responsibility or a public health issue? What is the role of policy? Should employers be responsible? What wellness programs have worked and what are the long-term returns of investing in them? This panel will address the issues and opportunities associated with investing in wellness and changing our behavior to bolster our health.

Moderator

Andrew von Eschenbach

President, Samaritan Health Initiatives Inc.; former Commissioner, U.S. Food and Drug Administration; former Director, National Cancer Institute

Speakers

Nancy Brown

CEO, American Heart Association

Steven Burd

CEO, Burd Health; Former Chairman and CEO, Safeway Inc.

William Dietz

Director, Sumner M. Redstone Global Center for Prevention and Wellness, Milken Institute School of Public Health, George Washington University

Linda Fried

Dean and DeLamar Professor of Public Health, Mailman School of Public Health, Columbia University; Senior Vice President, Columbia University Medical Center


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