Online Wellness To Reduce Healthcare Costs

The current economic crisis has many consumers looking for ways to reduce expenses. One of the best strategies to reduce healthcare expenses is by exercising regularly. “Most of the chronic health problems in our society are a result of a sedentary lifestyle,” according to Stan Reents, PharmD, a certified personal trainer, fitness counselor, tennis coach. Diseases such as diabetes, hypertension, obesity, coronary artery disease and others are largely preventable with regular exercise. “Healthcare costs – including medication costs – for these conditions can be reduced by exercising regularly,” says Reents.

Statistics from the CDC show that only about half of adults meet current exercise recommendations. Only 15% of adults belong to a gym or health club and 20% of those people haven’t used their membership in the past 4 months. However, over 70% of adults use the Internet. This provides a tremendous opportunity when trying to reach people on an individual basis. “People can exercise at home, if they have proper guidance,” says Reents.

Even though using a computer to promote exercise may seem like an oxymoron, the Internet is a highly effective way to deliver information right to the person who needs it. “Research is starting to show that providing fitness and wellness advice via the Internet can be an effective method of counseling clients,” says Reents, who is a former healthcare professional. “Our goal is to provide exercise guidance to people who wish to exercise at home. In several short months, we can teach clients everything they need to know.