SAN DIEGO, Nov. 15, 2006 (PRIMEZONE) -- American Specialty Health (ASH) wellness subsidiary Healthyroads, Inc. is offering employers access to support, education, and motivational tools to help their employees "pack" up their cigarettes and kick the smoking habit -- even if it's just for one day -- as part of the American Cancer Society's Great American Smokeout(r). Smokers from across the country are expected to take part in the annual quit-smoking event, which will take place this year on Thursday, Nov. 16.
As part of its wellness consulting initiative, Healthyroads is working with employers enrolled in the Healthyroads Coaching Program for Tobacco Cessation to help employees say "no thanks" to cigarettes the day of the Smokeout -- and make plans to quit for good. In addition to providing employers educational resources on the topic of smoking cessation, Healthyroads offers inspirational posters to motivate workers, as well as achievement certificates for participating in various employer-sponsored Smokeout activities. Employees can also refer to Healthyroads' weekly newsletter of stop-smoking tips as they prepare to set and stick with their quit plan.
Healthyroads provides additional assistance to its employer group clients through focused e-mails and phone calls that highlight other ways to create a healthy workplace and drive participation in the Smokeout event.
"The fact that smoking claims an estimated 400,000 American lives each year is one of many reasons to quit," said ASH chairman, president, and chief executive officer George DeVries. "The Great American Smokeout helps smokers realize that if they can quit for a day, then they can probably quit for good -- and will improve their health along the way. Healthyroads can help employers create a culture of wellness at the workplace while also encouraging smokers to quit on Nov. 16."
About Wellness Consulting Services
Healthyroads' wellness consulting services are designed to help employers simplify the process for introducing and implementing a wellness program. Wellness consultants meet with employer clients initially, and then on a regular basis, to develop and implement successful strategies that drive participation and help employers achieve their wellness goals. Their ongoing meetings with staff focus on understanding the needs of each employer group; coordinating employee outreach calls, health fairs, and onsite wellness programs; devising employee communications and incentive programs; and monitoring employee awareness and program utilization via ongoing reports.
About American Specialty Health
ASH and its subsidiaries make available benefit, fitness, and wellness programs to health plans, insurance carriers, employer groups, and trust funds nationwide. Healthyroads, Inc. is ASH's wellness, health education, and e-commerce subsidiary, offering award-winning tobacco cessation, weight management, and healthy living programs.
Based in San Diego, ASH has over 500 employees and covers more than 12 million members in benefit programs and more than 500,000 members in wellness programs. For more information, visit ASH online at ASHCompanies.com or call 800.848.3555.
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