news
23 Nov 2009 - 15:57: Global Alert - November
GLOBAL
Wellbeing Audits from PPC Worldwide
Are you aware of the wellbeing situation, and requirements of your employees? Do you know on which wellbeing areas you should invest? PPC can offer you a Wellbeing Audit incorporating a corporate assessment, and individual Health Risk Assessment and a development of a ‘Wellbeing Action Plan’. For further information, please contact nicholas.malhomme@ppcworldwide.com
Global EAP Training in New York and Washington – Jan 2010
PPC will be running two days of Global EAP training on Jan 12 and 14 in New York and Washington DC respectively. Hear experts in the global EAP field, view case studies and understand the cultural drivers behind EAP in different territories. For further information, please contact michael.tisone@ppcworldwide.com
EUROPE
UK – Up to £50K available to SMEs for Wellbeing Projects…and PPC Can Help
The Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) has invited small and medium-sized businesses and local partnerships to bid for a share of the Health, Work and Wellbeing Challenge Fund. This offers SMEs up to £50,000 for innovative wellbeing projects, submitted by December 31 2009. PPC can help your organisation develop and submit a proposed project, in line with this timeframe. For further details, please email michael.jelley@ppcworldwide.com
UK – New NICE Guidelines on Mental Wellbeing
The National Institute for Health and Clinical Excellence (NICE) issued new guidance for employers on promoting mental wellbeing. Key recommendations include; creating an awareness and understanding of mental wellbeing, promoting flexible working and ensuring systems are in place to promote mental wellbeing. For further information, click here.
Italy – PC Addiction ‘Can Lead to Depression and Obesity’
Troppo PC? According to an article in La Repubblica, a leading Italian newspaper, more and more people are getting addicted to their personal computers. Consequences of this include depression and obesity. To view the full article (in Italian), click here.
Germany – National Team Goalkeeper Commits Suicide due to Depression
The goalkeeper of Germany’s national football team, Robert Enke committed suicide due to depression, showing that mental health issues affect all sectors of society. For the full story, click here.
Spain – 9000 Immigrants Return Home
Nearly 9000 immigrants in Spain have chosen to return home as part of a voluntary programme put in place by the Spanish Government. A budget of 6 million Euros has been set aside by the government to be distributed amongst the returnees. For the full story (in Spanish) click here.
France – Ignore Emotional Wellbeing at your Peril
For further information, click here.
Czech Republic – Drug Use on the rise
For further information, click here.
NORTH AMERICA
US – Obesity Costs to Quadruple Over Next Decade
A new report commissioned by the United Health Foundation shows that rising obesity rates will be an increasing burden on the US Healthcare system over the next decade. The new data shows that if current trends continue, 43 percent of U.S. adults will be obese by 2018 and spending on obesity will quadruple from current levels, up to $344 billion. For further information, click here.
US - Health Care Reform Means Wellness
As the debate on health care reform in the U.S. seems too often to deteriorate to partisan mud-slinging, one area of consensus is clear: wellness works. Getting in front of illness and related costs by promoting health awareness and financially incenting healthier choices is a strategy that more employers are implementing. As employers shoulder the burden of health costs in the U.S., they are attuned to programs that reduce expenses, as well as improve organizational climate and employee productivity. For further information, click here.
Canada – Ill Women at Risk of Abandonment
In cases of serious illness, while women readily take on the role of caregiver to their ailing husbands, men struggle with new domestic responsibilities and the greater dependence their wives place on them. For the full article, click here.
US – Expert calls for FDA Reorganisation
A legal expert has called for a reorganisation of the US Food and Drugs Administration (FDA). For further information, click here.
Canada – Study Finds Recession can be Good for Health
For further information, click here.
ASIA-PACIFIC
New Zealand – Kiwis Satisfied with their Wellbeing
The first New Zealand General Social Survey (NZGSS) shows that 86 percent of New Zealanders are satisfied with their quality of life. The survey includes New Zealanders' assessment of their health, the environment, and social contact with family and friends, as well as traditional measures such as income and employment prospects. To view the full article, click here.
China – Health Care ‘in Disarray’
For further information, click here.
Thailand – Discrimination Against Workers with HIV/AIDS
For further information, click here.
Japan – Health Care ‘Low Cost…For Now’
For further information, click here.
India – Outsourcing ‘will help US cut Healthcare Costs’
For further information, click here.
India – Building Sustainable Leadership Competency
For further information, click here.
Australia – ‘Number of Vulnerable On the Rise’
For further information, click here.
REST OF THE WORLD
Brazil – Zero Hunger Programme Proves Successful
Brazil’s ‘Zero Hunger’ programme, has reduced hunger and malnutrition by 73% according to the UN Food and Agriculture Organisation (FAO). For further details, click here.
Sierra Leone – LA Times looks at HealthCare
For further information, click here.
South Africa – Watching Sport May Up Heart Risk
For further information, click here.
South Africa – 10 Point Plan to Improve Health
For further information, click here.
Cape Verde – First Reported Outbreak of Dengue Fever
For further information, click here.