Evidence about the total cost of health, absence, short-term disability, and productivity losses was synthesized for 10 health conditions. Cost estimates from a large medical/absence database were combined with findings from several published productivity surveys. Ranges of condition prevalence and associated absenteeism and presenteeism (on-the-job-productivity) losses were used to estimate condition-related costs. Based on average impairment and prevalence estimates, the overall economic burden of illness was highest for hypertension ($392 per eligible employee per year), heart disease ($368), depression and other mental illnesses ($348), and arthritis ($327). Presenteeism costs were higher than medical costs in most cases, and represented 18% to 60% of all costs for the 10 conditions.

Data for 374,799 employees from six large employers were analyzed. Absence and disability losses constituted 29% of the total health and productivity related expenditures for physical health conditions, and 47% for all of the mental health conditions examined. The top-10 most costly physical health conditions were: angina pectoris; essential hypertension; diabetes mellitus; mechanical low back pain; acute myocardial infarction; chronic obstructive pulmonary disease; back disorders not specified as low back; trauma to spine and spinal cord; sinusitis; and diseases of the ear, nose and throat or mastoid process. The most costly mental health disorders were: bipolar disorder, chronic maintenance; depression; depressive episode in bipolar disease; neurotic, personality and non-psychotic disorders; alcoholism;, anxiety disorders; schizophrenia, acute phase; bipolar disorders, severe mania; nonspecific neurotic, personality and non-psychotic disorders; and psychoses. Implications for employers and health plans in examining the health and productivity consequences of common health conditions are discussed.

At the academy of wellness, we conduct stress assessment using the latest biofeedback devices to minimize stress and mental health issues in the workplace.

Dr. George Grant, CEO of www.academyofwellness.com completed his doctorate degree at the University of Toronto and worked as a senior consultant for Health Canada at their Occupational Health & Safety Division, Health Protection Branch, Ottawa, ON.

Author's Bio: 

Prof. Dr. George F. Grant, Ph.D., I.M.D., M.Sc., M.Ed., B.Sc., C.Chem., R.M., BANHS, C.B.S.
Specialist in Natural/Integrative Medicine, Stress Management, Toxicology, Nutrition, Pain & Biofeedback.

Canada’sPioneer in Neutraceutical and Quantum Integrative Medicine, world-class professional speaker, corporate trainer, and author. Dr. Grant conduct regular Lunch & Learn Seminars forhis fortune 500 clients worldwide. He also helps Non Profit Organizations and private clients worldwide through our mobile clinics. Prof. Dr. George Grant is considered by his peers as Canada’s Wellness Champion. Founder & CEO of Academy of Wellness in 1983. Dr Grant enjoys a stellar academic background as well as a fascinating career in research. He is an Integrative Medical Doctor, Scientist, Professor, Analytical Chemist, Toxicologist, Pharmacologist, Microbiologist, Nutritionist, Biofeedback, Stress Management & Pain Specialist, and Indoor Air Quality Specialist. Dr. Grant is an Analytical Chemist, Toxicologist, Microbiologist, Nutritionist, Biofeedback, Stress Management, Pain Management, Anti Aging and Indoor Air Quality Specialist. Founder of the Academy of Wellness, 1983. Author of 7 best selling books, former Scientist at University of Saskatchewan’s Faculty of Pharmacy and Nutrition, Professor at Seneca College in Toronto, and Senior Consultant for Health Canada. Dr. Grant is among International Who’s Who of Professionals. He has 100 published articles, conference presentations, book reviews and 7 bestselling books, including a chapter in 100 ways to improve your life with Mark Victor Hanson, the author of Chicken Soup for the Soul. Helped 7 Olympic athletes to remain competitive. Dr. Grant helped thousands of his clients, corporations and non profit organizations worldwide.
Dr. Grant completed his doctorate degree from the University of Toronto; doctorate in Integrative and Humanitarian Medicine from the Board of Orthomolecular and Integrative Medicine (BOIM); Masters Degree from Brock University; Masters of Science in Food Chemistry, Microbiology, and Toxicology from the University of Saskatchewan; B.Sc. (Hons.) University of B.C. in Food Science and Nutrition; Bachelor of Technology, B. C. Institute of Technology (BCIT); and B.Sc. (Hons.) in Biochemistry from the University of Alexandria. He is certified as a Biofeedback/Pain Specialist [CBT] from BANHS[Board of Advanced Natural Health Science] and NTCB[Natural Therapies Certification Board].