Health and Wellness Resources

Health & Wellness at Eyecare Associates

Health Dividend & Wellness S.B. 679

We have a long history of health promotion at Eyecare Associates, beginning with our belief that lifestyle choices are the number one factor of preventable diseases and health related expenses.

Dr. John Lees continues to promote wellness at the state and local levels. He was the driving force behind Senate Bill 679, and has another bill which will be introduced to the House of Representatives during the next session.

The Tax Free Oregon Health Dividend
The 2013 Legislative Session, Sponsored by: Representative Andy Olson, John D. Lees, M.D., Nadine M. Wood, M.S.

Purpose:

Create a Health Dividend (HD) that gives a financial reward to Oregonians participating in a worksite wellness program that promotes walking fitness, healthy eating, good weight control, tobacco cessation and a healthy lifestyle.

Rationale:

Poor lifestyle choices contribute to diseases and disabilities which have a major impact on health care costs. Changing lifestyles with financial incentives that educate, motivate and reward participants can increase productivity and significantly reduce health care costs.

Goal:

Pass HB (LC 828), a tax-free Oregon Health Dividend up to $1,000 a year.

Eyecare Associates Employee Wellness Program
An overview of a functioning employee-driven model.

Supervision of the Eyecare Associates Employee Wellness Program

• Wellness Committee consisting of 5–6 employees
• Wellness Coordinator
• Eyecare Associates Partners

• Have an age-adjusted average or better walking time on a one-mile walk, or participate in an approved fitness program
• Have a healthy weight or participate in a weight loss program
• Participate in health and wellness talks during work lunch breaks
• Are non-tobacco users or are participating in an approved tobacco cessation program

• Are awarded as cash to participating employees on the 15th of each month
• Are paid $60.00 a month (hopefully tax-free)