Contents / Links
Introduction
About Functional Training Perspectives Group
Corporate Health Assessments
• Health essentials
• Health Plus
• Health Advantage
• Executive Health Plus
Evidence to Support the Efficacy of Corporate Health Promotion, Health Assessments & Management
Returns on Health Investment
Summarised Employee-Employer Benefits of a Comprehensive Health & Wellness Program
Health Education Seminars:
• Spinal Care
• Smoking Cessation
• Diabetes
• Physical Activity
• Stress
• Weight Management
• Men’s & Women’s Health
• Heart Health
• Alcohol & Other Drugs
• Nutrition
• Work – Life Balance
Health Expo’s
Benefits of Functional Based Physical Activity & Exercise
Health & Wellness At Work - It Works !
Functional Training Perspectives Group & Corporate Health Assessments.
The following will provide you with an outline of Functional Training Perspectives Group, and how we can assist the health of your employee’s. Employee health and well-being is critical to the functioning of efficient business’s and directly relates to absenteeism – productivity – employee management relations and the bottom line.
Functional Training Perspectives Group
(FTPG) is a primary provider of workplace health assessment and management services. With extensive clinical experience through Medicare (the health management of at risk or high risk individuals) and WorkCover (Musculoskeletal Rehabilitation Specialisation) FTPG is positioned as the market leader, providing unique and innovative corporate health services.
Who better to analyse and assess the health of your workforce than a qualified Exercise Physiologist with specialist clinical training required to specifically focus on the health management of individuals. With 10 years of experience FTPG has been continuing to make positive contributions within the industry and – most importantly – people’s lives. Current partners in health promotion include but not limited to:
• Toyota Motor Company Australia
• International SOS Australasia
• Allianz Workers Compensation
• Various WorkCover Agents
• Various Medical Centres across Melbourne including.
1. Wicklow Avenue Medical Centre
2. Brice Avenue Medical Centre
3. Clayton Road Doctors
4. Swansea Road Clinic
5. Eltham Medical Centre
6. Ringwood Better Health
7. Longevity Medical Centre
8. Melbourne Therapy Centre
9. Alsalam Medical Centre
At FTPG our dedication, work ethic, and a “do-more-not-less” attitude, can influence how quickly a person can improve their health, well-being and muscle strength. Please feel free to peruse the information provided in this package and we look forward to establishing future partnerships in improving the health of your employees. If you have any further questions, please do not hesitate to contact me.
Achieving Health...
Concepts of Health & Wellness.
A Comprehensive Lifestyle Approach.
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At Functional Training Perspectives Group we are passionate about health and assisting other people to achieve their health needs and sustain healthy improvements. Prevention is always better than a cure and early identification of health risks is paramount in preventing the onset of significant illness. Our major aim is to provide people with the knowledge of how to best manage their health, and ensure that they minimise their risk of future health problems, assisting them in any areas that may already be impacting negatively upon work – rest and play.
Throughout the health assessment we measure and identify critical health and lifestyle factors that influence your health, and provide you with strategies that can be utilised when working towards achieving better health. Additional information can be obtained enabling you to build on your knowledge base acquired in the assessment through a series of handouts, seminars or
workshops on topics including but not limited too:
Physical Activity Gender Health
Weight Management Work – Life Balance
Diabetes Stress – Anxiety - Depression
Osteoporosis Sleep & Sleep Apnoea
Arthritis Spinal Care
Cholesterol & Blood Pressure Control Heart Stroke & Vascular Disease Non modifiable risk factors
Smoking Nutrition
Lung Function Alcohol
COPD Certain forms of Cancer
Keeping your health and well-being in mind we remain at the forefront of current scientific research in the areas listed above, and the most appropriate and safe forms of exercise and physical activities to best assist you when working towards better health. Our team of qualified Allied Health Professionals have been specifically chosen and educated to deliver the highest quality of care, putting people first. Taking this positive step in addressing the health of your workers is a fantastic opportunity which may have positive long lasting effects for year’s even decades. We welcome you into the Achieving Health Program and look forward to doing what we do best – assist you achieve positive health outcomes.
Kindest Regards
About Functional Training Perspectives Group: .
FTPG has an experienced team of qualified passionate allied health professionals, who provide a variety of
health services embracing change with a commitment to continual improvement in the delivery of health promotion services.
The Health Assessment Team
FTPG Health Assessment Team delivers first class Corporate and Executive Health Assessments. The team includes various allied health professionals who have specific experience in corporate health, nutrition and weight management, with a particular focus on Exercise Physiologists who provide expert knowledge in the field of exercise prescription, testing, and health management. Our attention to detail allows our staff to make all people feel welcome; putting people first. The major advantage of how we conduct our “AchievingHealth Assessments” is through the convenience of on-site assessing with minimal disruption to the workers day.
The Workplace Health Team
The Workplace Health Team oversees and runs our corporate and executive programs. The account managers are qualified health professionals and are experienced in service delivery of health based initiatives. This is critical in the organisation and management of corporate health programs and ensures that the maximum benefits are achieved from each program. In addition the Workplace Health Team employs a variety of contractors such as group exercise instructors, massage therapists, personal trainers, doctors and podiatrists. Each team member is required to meet stringent criteria including qualifications, first aid certificates and insurance to work for FTPG. A quality educational program ensures that all delivery of service is maintained at a benchmark standard.
The Exercise Physiology Team
Our Exercise Physiology Team oversees the quality of exercise and physical activity information supplied across all business units as well as running our weight management and private practice clients. Currently the Exercise Physiology team are Post Graduate and Under Graduate trained Exercise Physiologists , which means they not only have experience with exercise prescription and weight management information, but are also qualified to provide musculoskeletal rehabilitation services in line with the Victorian WorkCover Authority.
The Dietetics Team
Our Dietetics Team oversees the quality of nutritional information supplied across all business units as well as running our weight management and private practice clients. Currently the Dietetics team employs dual degree Dietitians, which have experience with nutrition and weight management information. Sales and Marketing Team: Sales and Marketing cover a variety of disciplines such as BusinessDevelopment, Marketing and Public Relations. Each member of the team is qualified in a health related discipline. The principal purpose of the team is to engage with existing and potential customers to work in partnership to develop and implement strategic health management solutions. These same solutions are focused on providing returns on investment through enhanced productivity, reduced absenteeism, enhanced employee knowledge regarding healthy practices, fewer medical and workers compensation claims, improved morale and self-esteem, and enhanced recruitment and retention.
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Work Related Injury
Our exercise physiology team can provide outstanding results for clients who have suffered an injury at work, working either autonomously or hand in hand with treating chiropractors, physiotherapists and medical practitioners. At FTPG we have a passion for health promotion and fostering client education to establish swift and safe exercise programs through a systemic approach to early intervention and Musculoskeletal Rehabilitation. This approach results in appropriate Return to Work outcomes for all key stake holders and the injured worker.
Corporate Health Assessments: ......General Overview
Health Essentials - A 20 minute “snapshot” health assessment that includes review of crucial heart disease risk factors such as Total Cholesterol, Blood Glucose, Blood Pressure, Body Composition and Heart Rate. All participants receive feedback on their results, and a personalised take home assessment booklet. Included in the booklet are strategies on how to improve lifestyle behaviours that may be unknowingly impacting on the workers health.
Health Plus – A 20 minute “snapshot” health assessment that includes review of crucial heart disease risk factors such as Total Cholesterol, Blood Glucose, Blood Pressure, Waist Measurement and Body Mass Index (BMI). Additionally, the qualified health assessor will provide an overview of a range of lifestyle areas. All participants receive feedback on their results, and a personalised take home assessment booklet.
Health Advantage – A 30 minute “snapshot” health check that includes review of crucial heart disease risk factors such as Total Cholesterol, Blood Glucose, Blood Pressure, Waist Measurement, Body Mass Index (BMI), Back Care, Vision and Lung Function. Additionally, the qualified health assessor will provide an overview of a range of lifestyle areas. All participants receive feedback on their results, and a personalised take home assessment booklet.
Executive Health Check Plus – This comprehensive 45 – 60 minute on site employee health check incorporates a range of tests, including Lipid Profile, Blood Glucose, Vision, Lung Function, Flexibility, Abdominal Strength, Blood Pressure, Back Care and much more. This all-inclusive health check assists in detecting future health issues which may impact upon the individual, including a Sub-Maximal Symptom Limited, Graded Exercise Test (V02peak). All participants receive feedback on their results, comparisons to healthy aged predicted peers, and a personalised take home assessment booklet.
Health & Wellness At Work - It Works !
Evidence Supporting the Efficacy of Corporate Health Promotion, Health Assessments & Management The “On Track” project has found that the risk identification process, education and provision of referral pathways, has some influence in encouraging people to address their cardiovascular disease risk factors
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Result’s from a Workplace Screening Session
• 85% felt Screening provided them greater awareness of their health & risks for heart disease
• 64% indicated that they more aware of their health
• 42% indicated that they more aware of their lifestyle
• 50% indicated that they more aware of their exercise levels
• 64% indicated that they more aware of their eating habits
• 28% indicated that they more aware of their stress levels
• 28% have used their personal Health Record Card Since their last screening
• 28% have noticed an improvement in feeling better about their general health
• 14% received a referral for Blood Pressure
• 7% received a referral for Cholesterol
• 7% indicated that they had given up or reduced smoking
• 50% indicated that they had given up or reduced their fat intake
• 28% indicated that they had given up or reduced their fast food intake
• 64% indicated that the program had an impact on their General Health
• 35% indicated that the program had an impact on their Workplace Health
• 21% indicated that the program had an impact on their Family
• 14% indicated that the program had an impact on their Partner
• 64% indicated that the program had an impact on their approach to their health
• 14% indicated that the program had an impact on their approach to their GP
These findings suggest people are, commonly, unaware of their risk factors for heart disease and stroke. Symptoms, such as chest pain, do not always encourage men to seek General Practitioner (GP) help. The screening programs educate men and women to recognise early symptoms and to act. Without such health education, men especially, are not (in many cases), likely to seek medical attention for a mere chest pain.
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Returns on Investment
Evidence based data has been mounting for many decades regarding the economic benefits which accompany Corporate Health Promotion Programs. As the general health of employees and thus society continues to decline over time, the potential benefits resulting from health related interventions for companies continues to escalate.
Poor health, both physical and mental, can be very costly to organisations through the impact on illness, absence, productivity, attraction, retention, industrial accidents and WorkCover claims.
A health promotion program which is designed and implemented well, can deliver benefits which exceed the program costs by a factor of 3-5 for every dollar spent on health and wellness programs. For instance, recent data from Australia and around the world indicates.
• Poor mental health increases absenteeism by 50% (Serxner et. al., JOEM, 43(4), 2001)
• Back/neck pain will increase absenteeism by 40%
• For every health risk an employee has, productivity drops by an average of 2.4% (Burton et. al. 2005)
• Medical costs of those with 6 or more risk factors are eight times higher than those with none (Chapman, L. Summex Corporation, 2002)
• Workers Compensation costs for high risk employees are 12 times greater than those of low risk employees (Musich et. al. JOEM, June 2001, 534-541)
• Australian employees in the lowest health category exhibit 15 times greater absence (18 days per annum) than those in higher health categories (102 days per annum). (Medibank Private, 2005)
• Unhealthy workers average just 49 productive hours of work per month compared to 143 hour per month for the healthy ones (Medibank Private, 2005)
• Four years after an arthritis self management program was initiated, 5 Californian Counties estimated pain declined 20% and physician visits decreased 40%.
• Fitness and health promotion programs are associated with reducing costly employee absenteeism. Fitter, healthier, more motivated workers spend a greater number of productive hours on the job each year; bringing significant economic benefits to the companies they serve.
• In a 9-month analysis of decision making capabilities, exercisers showed a distinct advantage- 70% greater performance - over non-exercisers.
• Johnson & Johnson’s LIVE FOR LIFE wellness programs delivered a 30% return on investment during a 12-year study.
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Both exercise and health education increases the benefits obtained through the components of a health and wellness lifestyle improvement program.
Coles in Melbourne:
90% of participants reported increased morale and enthusiasm
75% of employees had reduced blood pressure
Westpac:
83% reported better ability to cope with stress
29% reduction in absenteeism
75% of participants reported increased work performance
Makay Electrical Board:
77% reduction in lost days 336 down to 76
Western Australian Department of Education:
95% of participants reported having more energy
60% of participants reported having improved physical appearance
For every dollar spent on a health assessment and wellness education program it can be estimated by other companies committed approach that you may get returns similar too:
Citibank- $6.70 returns for every dollar spent
Sentara Health System- $6.60 returns for every dollar spent
Pacific Bell-$2.20 to $3.00 with an annual saving of 5 million dollars
Union Pacific Railroad- annual saving of 2 million dollars
Major benefit to employees is having the opportunity to make a regular commitment to physical activity, exercise thus improving their health and quality of life.
FTPG is a leading provider of corporate and community health based services. We understand the drivers and burden of illness, absence and lost productivity. We work with our clients to develop evidence based strategies that have demonstrable benefits, including healthier, happier, more productive employees.
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Given the overwhelming data on the benefits of occupational health and wellness programs it seems prudent to expose and educate workers about their health.
Organisations which fail to recognise and address such issues are carrying a huge, but somewhat unnecessary financial burden.
Summarised Employee Benefits of a Comprehensive Health & Wellness Program
1. Health Benefits
2. Economic Benefits
3. Improved Work Environment/Morale
4. Regular Commitment to Physical Activity and Exercise
5. Increased employee management relations
6. Reduction in cardiac risk factors and decreased likelihood of future health problems
7. Improvement in employee’s sense of well-being and perception of own productivity
Summarised Employer Benefits
1. Reduced absenteeism
2. Lower incidence of accidents
3. Low rate of employee turnover
4. Recruitment of premium employees with favourable attitudes toward fitness and health.
5. Reduced employee turnover
6. Increased management employee relations
7. Reduced health care costs
8. Improved productivity
9. Intangibles: company image, employee loyalty.
10. Help address and minimise priority injuries in the workplace.
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Health Promotion & Education Seminars Overview
Spinal Care
At least 80% of Australians will suffer from back pain at some point in their lives. LBP accounts for over 30 percent of all workplace injury costs. This seminar covers all you need to know about postural maintenance, lifting, strength and flexibility, injury prevention & management.
Diabetes
As Australia’s fastest growing epidemic and around 520 000 people who are unaware they have diabetes. It is important that we understand what Diabetes is. This seminar discusses the types of diabetes, management of diabetes and most importantly - prevention of diabetes. Learn the signs and symptoms, and how to manage diabetes through your diet including fat, carbohydrate, protein and alcohol. Also covered is the potential harm it may cause when mismanaged or left undiagnosed.
Physical Activity
Addresses the difference between physical activity and exercise and how it has a positive benefit on your health. This seminar discusses the benefits of formal verses incidental exercise, offers practical advice on exercise program details and fitting exercise and physical activity into your day. Provides you with a series of foundation exercises or activities that can be performed anywhere any time at no cost to you.
Stress
Everyone has stress in their lives – whether it is work, family or other forms or stress how you handle stress is the difference. Discover how stress affects your body and why it is a major risk factor for heart disease and cancer. A current trend in the Australian workforce is the rise in work related stress in which early intervention can play a critical role in addressing stress and the stressors, as well as the associated costs (I.e. decreased absenteeism, increased WorkCover premiums, loss of productivity etc). This seminar helps identify the causes of stress and discusses strategies to effectively manage this stress.
Heart Health
Heart disease is the number one killer of Australians and the western world. This seminar takes an in-depth look at managing the risk factors associated with heart disease including cholesterol, blood pressure, diabetes, physical activity, body weight, smoking and stress. How to manage these areas are discussed.
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Health Expo’s
Health Expos are the ideal way to engage and promote health, wellness, and safety amongst your
staff, while encouraging interactivity.
Conducted on-site at your workplace, our Health Expos will act as an integral part of your
organisations employee health and wellness strategy, supplementing staff health assessments,
reinforcing healthy behaviours or simply as a fantastic annual occasion for staff.
With numerous health related stalls to choose from, FTPG will cater for the specific needs of your
workplace. Our experienced and professional staff will ensure every aspect of your event is a
gleaming success.
Benefits of Functional Based Physical Activity & Exercise
1. Increased Physical Work Capacity (ability to perform whilst at work).
2. Reduced stress and anxiety.
3. Reduced depression.
4. Increased fatigue threshold.
5. Decreased blood pressure.
6. Decreased cholesterol levels.
7. Improve or maintain bone integrity.
8. Increased joint range of motion and flexibility.
9. Improved sense of well-being.
10. Improved muscle strength.
11. Improved glucose regulation (extremely favourable for diabetics).
12. Improved sleep patterns.
We look forward to discussing our program/s with you. Please do not hesitate to contact me if you
have any further queries.
Matthew Fittolani
Grad Dip Exercise for Rehabilitation.
B.App.Sci Human Movement Science (Physical Education & Health Promotion).
AEP – AMS – MAAESS
