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Reducing obesity could cut costs During the last 20 years, obesity among adults has risen significantly in the United States, according to the Wellness Councils of America. According to the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS)  and Centers for Disease Control (CDC) health care costs associated with physical inactivity topped $76 billion in 2000. If 10 percent of adults began a regular walking program, $5.6 billion could be saved by reducing the amount spent on heart disease health care costs.   For people who are overweight, increasing physical activity helps reduce many of the risks for illnesses associated with obesity, helps them maintain weight loss, and helps prevent weight gain. Despite the proven benefits of physical activity, more than 50 percent of American adults do not get enough physical activity to provide health benefits, according to HHS and CDC.   Health 1st strives to improve the health and well-being of the MUSC community and to combat these startling national numbers by offering the activities listed below. Wellness Team Competition   Health 1st is holding a year long Wellness team competition for employees. New teams can start up any time during the year. As many as 10 employees may join a team. Each team is led by a coach and team members can exercise together or solo. The purpose of the teams is to increase physical activity at and away from work, improve nutritional intake, and manage the stresses in our lives at and away from work.    May’s winning team was the Green Team, led by Ashley Leinbach from IOP.  Each team  member received a goodie bag from Whole Foods. Currently, this month’s leading team is Financial Fury led by Chiaki Kight from the Controllers Office. The final results for June will be tabulated July 5. Each team member receives a free pedometer, a Healthy Habits Log book and a T-shirt. Worksite screening Health 1st is offering quarterly worksite screening to employees. These screenings are a benefit of the SC State Insurance Plan. Employees with coverage can participate once a year for just $15. Screenings are available to employees without insurance coverage or who want to repeat the screening in the same calendar year for $38. Tests include height, weight, blood pressure, and a blood draw for blood chemistry profile, hemogram, and blood lipid profile. Stress management Jim Zukauskas from the SC Department of Mental Health is offering a class about stress management during lunchtime July 27. Participants are encouraged to bring lunch and relax. For information, call 792-1245 or e-mail health1st@musc.edu.     Friday, June 29, 2007 Catalyst Online is published weekly, updated as needed and improved from time to time by the MUSC Office of Public Relations for the faculty, employees and students of the Medical University of South Carolina. Catalyst Online editor, Kim Draughn, can be reached at 792-4107 or by email, catalyst@musc.edu. Editorial copy can be submitted to Catalyst Online and to The Catalyst in print by fax, 792-6723, or by email to catalyst@musc.edu. To place an ad in The Catalyst hardcopy, call Island Publications at 849-1778, ext. 201.