Archive for December, 2010

People in Business

Trinity Group Homes Inc. said it has appointed Elizabeth “Liz” Montgomery as life-skills coordinator. Liz recently was family service coordinator with the YWCA in Spokane. She currently serves as the vice president for the City of Spokane Homeless Coalition.

Trinity also said it added two new board members, for a total of nine. It added Mary Marano and Dr. K.C. McVey. Mary serves as coordinator for the Kootenai County Mental Health Court and K.C. is with Coeur d’Alene Dental Center.

Idaho Gov. Butch Otter has appointed Shelly Enderud, city of Post Falls finance director, to the State Building Authority.

Her term expires on Jan. 1, 2016. The authority finances the construction of state buildings, institutions and prison facilities through bonds issued by the authority.

Cory Lewis, of River City Physical Therapy in Coeur d’Alene, last month recieved the “2010 Physical Therapist of the Year” award at the Idaho Physical Therapy Associaton’s annual conference in Sun Valley.

Lewis was recongnized for his leadership and enthusiasm for the physical therapy profession, serving on both local and national levels.

Andy Lind has joined Kootenai Prosthetics and Orthotics in Coeur d’Alene as a clinical prosthetic specialist.

Andy has a bachelor’s degree in economics from the University of Illinois and graduated from California State University’s prosthetic program in 2005.

Kootenai Prosthetics and Orthotics also has hired Joan Burger as a certified mastectomy fitter. Joan worked as a certified surgical technologist for 16 years and has owned and operated a massage therapy practice in Spokane since 1990.

Eric Petersen has been hired as the fitness director at the Coeur d’Alene Athletic Club, located at Second Street and Coeur d’Alene Avenue. Petersen is a nationally certified personal fitness trainer, former U.S. team member, marathon enthusiast, and sponsored triathlete. Petersen specializes in training endurance athletes, swimmers, and seniors in functional core and strength training, and also offers lifestyle-specific nutrition analysis and counseling.

Doreen Mack has joined Hagadone Marine Group as moorage/storage manager. She will help with boaters’ need at the Silver Beach Marina, Resort Boardwalk Marina and Blackwell Island Marina, as well as indoor or outdoor storage. Born and raised in the Coeur d’Alene area, Doreen has nearly 25 years of experience with the Hagadone Corporation. She enjoys organic gardening as well as running, biking and rowing.

Chris Craig has joined the sales department at Yacht Club Sales & Service, a division of Hagadone Marine Group. As a former professional rider on the wakeboard circuit, and the crew member of a 230-foot private yacht, he has spent his life on the water. His experience in the wakeboarding business is particularly suited to his Malibu boat customers.

Kristi Rosin has been hired as new accounts coordinator at Blue541, a full-service advertising, PR and design firm in Coeur d’Alene. She is a graduate of the University of Montana with a degree in marketing, and previously worked as account executive for Reno, Nevada’s top radio group. She enjoys fishing, camping and tennis.

Marie Pickford, a Coeur d’Alene Realtor with Keller Williams Realty has been awarded the 2009 Entrepreneur of the Year Award by the Coeur d’Alene Chapter of the Women’s Council of Realtors (WCR). This annual award recognizes a Realtor member who fully exercises their potential as an entrepreneur and real estate industry leader; and who shares their time, talent and expertise with others in the profession and in the community.

Kootenai Prosthetics & Orthotics has hired Richard Allen, Andy Lind and Joan Burger to staff its Coeur d’Alene and Sandpoint offices. Allen is a Certified Prosthetist, Orthotic Resident and graduated from St. Petersburg College of Orthotics and Prosthetics. Lind has a bachelors degree in economics from the University of Illinois and graduated from California State University Prosthetic program in 2005. Burger is a certified mastectomy fitter. She worked as a certified surgical technologist for 16 years and has owned and operated a massage therapy practice in Spokane since 1990. Kootenai Prosthetics & Orthotics (www.kpoidaho.com) at 1321 Northwood Center Court, Coeur d’Alene, and 1309 Ponderosa Drive, Sandpoint, has served patients in the Inland Northwest since 1980.

Merrill Lynch today announced that Joe Anderson of its Coeur d’Alene office has been promoted to associate resident director. Anderson has been a part of Merrill Lynch’s Coeur d’Alene office for 12 years. In his new role, he will be responsible for the office’s oversight and strategic development.

Dennis Cunningham, president of ActiveWest Builders and builder of adult community Meadow Ranch, has been appointed to serve his third year for the U.S. Green Building Council’s — Idaho Chapter.

Cunningham served two consecutive years as president for the council’s Idaho Chapter and will serve as an active board member in 2011.

Dr. Scott Brown, an orthopedic surgeon specializing in foot and ankle reconstruction, will be joining Orthopedic Surgery and Sports Medicine early next month.

Hap Hilbish, a real estate agent with Century 21 Beutler and Associates’ Coeur d’Alene office recently received the 2010 medallion award from the Council of Residential Specialists. He was one of nine certified residential specialists (CRS) designees who were honored during the council’s awards ceremony last month in New Orleans.

The medallion award recognizes CRS designees who have excelled in their real estate careers and also have volunteered their time and expertise to serve the council and its members.

Silver Valley community activist Barbara Miller has been invited and will be attending a forum called by President Obama’s Council on Environmental Quality at the White House in Washington, D.C., on Wednesday. On hand will be U.S. Environmental Protection Agency Administrator Lisa Jackson, National Environmental Justice Director Lisa Garcia as well as other senior officials.

North Idaho College communication instructor Mikki Stevens has been honored with a women of distinction award in the arts and culture category by Soroptimist International of Coeur d’Alene.

The award was one of eight awards given by the organization at its 28th annual women of distinction awards ceremony on Nov. 19 at the Cedars Floating Restaurant.

George Green, executive artistic director of the Lake City Playhouse, has been appointed as the Idaho state representative for the American Association of Community Theatres.

Sean J. Kacalek has been promoted to sales manager, and Debbie Ferguson has been promoted to office manager at American Family Insurance in Post Falls.

Cort Wilcox, vice president and financial consultant at D.A. Davidson and Co.’s Coeur d’Alene office, has completed the course work required to earn a certified wealth strategist designation. The designation was created in response to a need in the industry for a practical, application-based certification program and is provided to financial professionals who have demonstrated understanding of wealth management.

Former Magnuson, McHugh, and Co. shareholder, Robert Chatters, has opened a new CPA firm here in Coeur d’Alene, which will be called RR Chatters and Company PLLC.

The office will offer tax, financial statement preparation and audits, bookkeeping, and business consulting.

Elizabeth Murphy Burns, the President of Spokane Television, Inc. and QueenB Radio Inc., has announced senior management changes at the KXLY Broadcast Group effective January 1, 2011.

Steve Herling will be retiring from his role as the Executive Vice President and General Manager of the KXLY Broadcast Group after 28 years in that role. Mr. Herling has worked for Morgan Murphy Media for 41 years and will now become the Senior Vice President of Special Projects for Morgan Murphy Media.  Mr. Herling will report directly to Burns and will now be working out of the KXLY North Idaho office in Coeur D’Alene at 504 E. Sherman Avenue.

The fitness business is good

Garrett Blakley runs on a treadmill at Coeur d'Alene Athletic Club.

With over 38 fitness facilities in North Idaho competing for business, you’d think a down economy would be disastrous. However, it seems people are willing to hold on to a gym membership, even during rough times.

I think the economy really is doing poorly, but there is such a a trend in health right now,” said Jodi Kayler, marketing manager at the Kroc Center. “As well as an emphasis on meeting people and connecting, so people are really making that a new priority in life.”

That seems to be the overall feeling in the gym nation.

“It puts people in the right frame of mind, it helps their health and actually saves them money in the long run because they are staying healthy,” said Correna Barnard, owner of Fitness on 4th.

Here is a look at a few local fitness facilities and where they stand in our rich fitness market.

• The Salvation Army Kroc Center

Justin Newnham, of Coeur d'Alene, grimaces during a workout at the Kroc Center.

Members: 18,000-20,000

“That seems like an intimidating number,” Kayler said, “but the building is made for it and it never seems like there are that many people.”

Rates: Adult (19-61) $39 for a Gold membership or $29 for a Silver membership. For seniors, $29 or $21, teens (12-18) $20 or $15, and youth (0-11) $13 or $8.

For families up to five people, $69 or $57, families with more than five people, $79 or $64.

Unique attractions/qualities: Indoor water park, extended programming, multi-sport training, aquatics, arts, entertainment, church

“We are much more than a gym, we are a community center with everything from theater to fitness,” Kayler said. “It is a place for the whole family.”

Info: www.kroccda.org

• Peak Health and Wellness Center

Members: Approximately 6,500

“We have one in Hayden Lake, Coeur d’Alene, and one in Post Falls,” Tallie Althen, co-owner, said. “Memberships are good for all three locations.”

Rates: Monthly dues now range from $34 to $42

Unique attractions/qualities: Racquetball, basketball and tennis courts, lap pool and aquatics lessons, attached to Renew Mind and Body Spa

“The spa offers monthly specials to our members,” Althen said. “We also have new, more intense training classes as well as our Biggest Loser program.”

Info: www.thepeakid.com

• Coeur d’Alene Athletic Club

Members: Approximately 1,500

Rates: $39.99/month with senior and student rates for registration fees.

Unique attractions/qualities: Located downtown, indoor pool, hot tubs, and saunas, specialized X-Training fitness room, and tanning beds.

“We pride ourselves on creating a fun and exciting atmosphere to enjoy your workout,” Neil Horner, owner, said.

Info: www.cdaathletic.com

• 360 Fitness

Members: About 900

Rates: $25 monthly corporate rates, $29.99/month with a year contract, #34.99/month without contract, $23.99/month for seniors, and a $15 weekend membership.

“We have the best price point in town,” said Bo Sullivan-Day, owner. “I am working toward having a more professional, doctor-oriented facility and we want to help educate members about their health in general.”

Unique attractions/qualities: 360 is associated with medical weight loss with Dr. Pennings with Oxyfit, and Avanti Health working with Bioidentical Hormone Replacement Therapy.

Info: www.fit360cda.com

• Ultimate Fitness

Members: 350

“We also have personal trainers that work with clients that may not be members,” said Jason Koester, co-owner.

Rates: $24.99/month with a year contract and $21.99/month for students and seniors.

Unique attractions/qualities: Employees have over 50 years of combined training and nutrition experience.

Info: www.ufitcda.com

• Precision Fitness

Members: 150-175

Rates: Prices vary per client.

Unique attractions/qualities: Specialize in high intensity resistance training programs designed for better results in less time, teaches clients proper nutrition.

“We are now well known and considered one of the best one-on-one fitness facilities in the Coeur d’Alene/Hayden area,” Scott Stockwell, owner, said. “Most of our clients find themselves working out less and getting better results.”

Info: www.precisionfitnesssolutions.com

• Fitness on 4th

Members: 150

Rates: $30/month for an open gym membership, $150-180 for personal training. Fitness on 4th also offers punch cards for classes.

Unique attractions/qualities: Short, high-intensity 15 minute programs

“We have a wide range of group fitness classes and personal training,” Barnard said.

Info: www.fitnesson4th.com

• Parkside Fitness

Members: N/A

“We get about 60 people coming to classes each day,” Kara Lemmon, owner, said. “We don’t operate as a fitness club, we are a studio that offers fitness classes. We are private and more personalized, with a nicer atmosphere and a more upscale feeling.”

Rates: $99/month, single class passes range from $10-$13.

Unique attractions/qualities: Focus on the mind and body, specializing in yoga, pilates, and now Zumba, small, intimate classes with emphasis on strength and core conditioning.

Info: www.parksidefitness.com

Having healthy employees is good for them, and your pocketbook

Bryan West, of Post Falls, left, works on an abdominal crunch machine as Coeur d'Alene resident Ken Catalano uses leg press equipment at the Kroc Corps Community Center.

It pays to have healthy employees. Literally. It is becoming increasingly common for businesses to offer employees incentives for maintaining a healthy lifestyle. So why should you pay your employees more, or cut their insurance costs for being healthy? Because in the long run it will save you money.

Here are a couple success stories from local businesses that decided to take the healthy route.

North Idaho College

According to Wade Larson, NIC Human Resources director, NIC has been developing a wellness program over the past four years, and it’s results are impressive.

“The program started as a voluntary wellness program with incentives for employees to maintain quality health,” Larson said. “In that first year 125 members of our staff participated.”

Three years ago NIC increased insurance deductibles to $1,000 which, in turn, reduced insurance rates. The “cost savings” was put into an account and used to fund the new wellness program.

“In order to receive cuts in insurance rates, employees have to jump through a few hoops,” Larson said.

These “hoops” include:

• Taking an online Health Risk Assessment

• Getting an annual physical

• Getting regular dental check-ups and cleaning

• Not smoking

• Turning in exercise logs

The rate reduction started at $700 for a single person or $1,400 for families. The new rate reduction is $1,000 for a single person or $2,000 for families. These new rate reductions knock out deductibles completely if the employee and employee’s family qualify.

Derek Kolar works out with certified personal trainer Neil Horner, left, at Coeur d'Alene Athletic Club.

“Over the past three years, we would have paid more than $800,000 more if we wouldn’t have changed our insurance plan,” Larson said. “By next year that savings will be over $1 million. It has become a part of our culture here, there is still a small resistance, but the majority of our employees really like these changes.”

Larson said if you take all of the 2011 employee benefits, including reductions, and compare those rates to that of 2007, the prices for employees are about the same or may even be less. This seems great on its own considering rates have increased anywhere from 12-14 percent each year, but the employees are actually getting more benefits now than they were in 2007.

“I would recommend to any business owner to start up a program like this,” Larson said. “I don’t know how a company could effectively operate insurance plans without something like this. If employees don’t have to go to the doctor then employers don’t have to pay the bill.”

Because of the success of the program, NIC has been able to have better negotiations with insurance companies. Currently, employees’ deductibles were negotiated to cover only emergency care so they only have to pay the copay at regular doctors visits. Larson said this is virtually unheard of with most insurance plans.

“This program prevents any future catastrophes by catching medical problems early. You get happier, healthier employees and you get to save money.”

Kootenai Medical Center

KMC has an up-and-coming wellness program that is staff-driven and focuses on a more holistic approach to employee wellness.

Like many wellness programs, KMC offers a discount on insurance premiums for non-smokers. Once an employee goes through a class to quit smoking, they can also make the switch on insurance premiums and receive the discount. Joshua Burton, employee health and wellness supervisor at KMC, said his job is to offer wellness incentives such as this to keep employees motivated.

“One of our incentives is to give out Lottery scratch tickets to employees when they finish one mile on our walking path around the hospital campus,” Burton said. “We also have a website created just for employees that offers fitness challenges and tips for healthy living.”

Burton is now altering the program to be more holistic by incorporating stress management and financial health classes for employees.

“By focusing on overall health, we can grow what’s called ‘presenteeism’ in our workers,” Burton said.

Burton described presenteeism as workers being fully mentally present while at work. He believes that by increasing both their physical and mental health, employees will be more focused and more productive while on the job.

“We want our employees to know that we really do care about them,” Burton said. “By doing a program like this, our employees live longer, happier lives, and in return, we get healthy employees that have less stress and more focus.”

As an employee, Burton said he wants to have a healthy mind, body and soul — he wants to be happy coming to work in the morning, as well as be happy to leave in the afternoon. It’s about having a healthy work-home balance.

“Our goal is to be the leader in health incentives at work,” Burton said. “Making programs like this accessible to everyone and supporting it.”

Hagadone Corporation

The Hagadone Corporation also offers a discount on insurance premiums for non-smokers. John Barlow, plan administrator for the Hagadone medical plan, said for a number of years the company has tried to focus on employee health, offering medical assessments for employees.

“One thing these assessments found was that almost 90 percent of our insurance costs are coming from only 6-8 percent from our employees,” Barlow said. “It is because of this, that we want to help them live a healthier lifestyle to bring down costs for everyone.”

Most of the Hagadone employees are younger and healthy, Barlow said. So it is the few that have poor habits that are skewing the numbers so much. He said that a health program works better for a more typical employee base, where everyone is from a similar demographic.

“That is one reason why the wellness program at NIC is so successful,” Barlow said. “They have a more unified demographic that is affected by the program.”

Barlow said the Hagadone Corporation is continually trying to create new incentives for employees. After looking at the numbers, he found that many of the old incentives weren’t working long-term. He’s hoping that the new non-smoking incentive will help encourage people to not only quit smoking, but to not start again.

“We found that you could offer the class to quit smoking, but most of the smokers never actually did quit,” he said.

Barlow also said that the company is waiting to see what happens with the new health care laws before making any more changes to the program.

“There is so much uncertainty in the next few years with the new laws,” he said. “We don’t want to make any bold moves until we know what’s going to happen, because otherwise our private insurance plan will no longer be grandfathered in to the new system.”

Due to the current changes with insurance plans, new expensive medications, and other unrelated medical issues, Barlow said it is hard to measure the success of the wellness program. But he is seeing success in small doses.

“We know what we’re doing is helping,” he said. “But because of other factors, we are still seeing an increase in rates.”

While there are many factors to consider when creating a wellness program, the outcome of having one seems to be overwhelmingly positive. While there can be some start-up costs initially, Barlow, Burton and Larson seem to think having happy healthy employees is the greatest asset to any company.

Calendar of Events

January 5

Post Falls Women in Business Network. Network with area women in business. For more information call 664-0216

Coeur d’Alene chamber, Workforce Development meeting, 7:30 a.m.-8:30 a.m., Dept. of Labor, 1221 W. Ironwood, Coeur d’Alene.

January 6

Coeur d’Alene Women in Business Network. Network with area women in business. For more information call 664-0216

Post Falls Chamber Member Orientation – 4:00pm at the Chamber. If you are a new business owner or manager and a member of the Post Falls Chamber, please put this date on your calendar. Learn about the many ways YOUR Chamber can help your business succeed. RSVP to jame@postfallschamber.com by Wednesday, January 5.

January 11

Coeur d’Alene chamber Upbeat Breakfast, State of the County, 7a.m. – 8:30 a.m., Coeur d’Alene Resort

January 12

Men in Business Network. Network with area businessmen. For more information call 664-0216.

Coeur d’Alene chamber, Downtown Association Economic Development meeting, 8 a.m.-9:30 a.m., Coeur d’Alene Chamber.

January 13

Hayden Chamber Business After 5, 5 p.m.- 6:30 p.m., for more information call (208) 762-1185.

January 20

Coeur d’Alene Chamber Business After Hours, 5 p.m. – 6:30 p.m., Applebees in Coeur d’Alene

January 27

Post Falls Chamber 22nd Annual Recognition Banquet, “On Target for Success.” Doors open at 5:30pm at Red Lion Templin’s. Tickets are $55 per person or $400 for a table of eight. On-line registration is open at www.postfallschamber.com. Awards will be given for Citizen of the Year, Business of the Year, and Volunteer of the Year.

Hayden Chamber Membership Breakfast. 7 a.m., at Daanen’s Deli. RSVP to info@haydenchamber.org or call (208)762-1185 for more information.

January 30

Coeur d’Alene Chamber Days at the Legislature, Boise, Idaho.

January 31

Coeur d’Alene Chamber Days at the Legislature, Boise, Idaho.

More to Be Done?

As we pay our property taxes this week, we are reminded that taxes allow us to operate as a civilized society. Things like paved streets, sewers and police protection are not free, and few of us would trade them. We willingly, if not happily pay our way, but feel violated if we are held responsible for more than our share. We trust our elected and appointed government leaders to protect us from the prospect of paying more than we should.

It is our job at CBNI to let you know who is doing a really good job of protecting the tax payer and who is not, but the process can be ambiguous. The numbers you see are raw, and do not include detailed budget information. Almost every taxing district listed had some shift in responsibility, resulting in either a prettier picture or one that—at a glance — might look irresponsible. We encourage you to take a closer look.

This economy has been a tough one in which to operate, for both the public and private sectors. As governments run out of money across the country, we ask our local leaders to be as true to the taxpayer as they can be. We agree that a two percent average increase reflects hard work on their part, but as private business continues to struggle, we believe there is more to be done.

Taxpayers: Become informed! Pay attention to the budget process! Speak Up! Be critical! At the same time, be ready to offer solutions, or even run for office!

CBNI is a non-profit, membership organization, operating to enhance and improve the business climate in North Idaho.  For more information, call (208) 755 3829.  (Website coming soon.)

Dental Wellness You Can Sink Your Teeth Into

With increased emphasis on preventive health, it’s no surprise workplace wellness and prevention programs have gained in momentum over recent years. The most popular on the list of employer wellness programs? Weight loss and smoking cessation. What often doesn’t make the list is a proactive dental wellness program. Considering the health benefits for employees and long-term cost advantages for employers and employees, it should be!

According to Surgeon General, over 164 million work hours and 51 million school hours are lost each year due to dental health issues. Research continues to emerge about the connection between poor dental health and serious medical health, such as diabetes, heart disease, and pregnancy outcomes.

The good news? Dental disease is preventable and implementing a dental wellness program in the workplace isn’t difficult with the help of a benefit carrier that has expertise and background in dental health. With the help of their agent or consultant, you can improve dental health for your employees by:

• Communicating the importance of dental health in relation to overall health. Educating employees about the importance of dental health and regular, preventive care and how it connects to their general health is key to avoiding higher cost procedures down the road

• Proposing dental benefit programs that cover preventive services for employees and dependents. As an example, dental sealants can help prevent cavities in children by up to 72 percent and can last 3 years or more. Find out if your carrier covers this preventive service 100 percent.

• Working with a dental carrier that has a value-added program in place. Does your carrier offer value-added services and products to encourage better dental health?  Examples may include risk-assessment tools, wellness materials and posters, and discounts for orthodontia and dental products.

• Monitor the effectiveness of dental benefits to ensure they meet employee needs. Review your dental plan with your carrier and agent each year to ensure it meets your employee needs and make adjustments as needed.

Implementing employer-sponsored wellness programs leads to healthier and happier employees and can have significant impact on your company’s bottom line. Consider adding a dental coverage and a wellness program to complete your organization’s commitment to employee well-being.

Chamber Days at the Legislature Slated for Jan. 30 – 31

Join us Jan. 30-31, 2011 in Boise for the Idaho Chamber Alliance’s Chamber Days at the Legislature as we continue to collaborate with neighboring North Idaho chambers and other chambers from around the state to advocate business interests. Chamber Days is a great opportunity for you to engage in important legislative issues first hand, by meeting with legislators and leadership. Working together we can better represent the voice of business in Boise. Each year the Chamber’s Public Policy Committee reviews and develops our State Legislative Agenda. This Agenda contains key policy issues that the Chamber supports (or not) to strengthen the state and local business environment. To review the Chamber’s 2011 State Legislative Agenda please visit our website at CdAChamber.com and browse to the Public Policy section.

Also, watch for additional information on registration and program details for the 2011 Chamber Days in Boise. You can also contact Brenda at Brenda@CdAChamber.com for additional information and let us know you plan to join us in Boise.

Making connections at Business After Hours

Houser

Each month the Chamber holds a Business after Hours at a local member business. The purpose of the BAH is provide an opportunity for the host business to “show off” their facility, their goods and services. In addition, it provides a place for other business members to come network, make new business contacts, exchange business cards and build a referral base.

In August, Sweetwater Bakery was our Chamber member host, where we had more than 75 people attend. I moved about the room, shaking hands, passing out business cards, greeting those who I knew and introducing myself to I had not. Dr Scott Crawford from River City Chiropractic shook my hand and asked how I was doing? A common exchange of words among most, but because he is a Doctor, I gave an honest answer and relied, “not really that well, you see I have this pain in my right arm and I think it might be coming from my neck.” We visited for a few minutes, he gave me his card and told me to call and make an appointment for a consultation.

The next day, before I had even taken out his card from my purse, a gal from his office called and asked if she could set up a consult with Dr. Crawford for the next day.  I did.  Now that is follow up from a networking event.

After treating me for a few weeks, I wasn’t getting much better so Dr Crawford referred me to Northwest Specialty Hospital for an MRI, when the results came back and after an appointment with my family physician, he then referred me to Dr. Larsen at CDA Spine. Dr. Larsen was able to schedule a cervical diskectomy (replacing a disc in my neck) at Kootenai Medical Center within just a few weeks of my office visit. My post surgery physical therapy is on going with Nate at River City Physical Therapy, referred to me years ago by a fellow Chamber member and I look forward to being completely healed very soon.

We are blessed with incredible people in our community so take advantage of every opportunity to get out and meet them. Make it part of your new years’ resolution to meet at least one new contact each week. Who knows, you could be responsible for changing a life.

Speaking of events, I want to extend a special invitation to all our Business Journal readers to attend the Annual Recognition Banquet on January 27th at Red Lion Templin’s. We will honor those who make significant contributions to our Chamber and our Community with awards for Citizen, Business and Volunteer for the Year. We promise an evening of entertainment, inspiration and fellowship. Reserve your table at www.postfallschamber.com.

Happy New Year.

Pam Houser

Chiropractic Can Help Your Employees and Your Bottom Line!

Dr. Amy Spoelstra

Bosses, Business Owners Take Note…Back pain, neck pain, and headaches are the leading cause of work-related disability and missed days of work. You obviously care about your workers’ well-being and the corporate bottom line so why not help your business and your staff out at the same time! Many businesses now realize that workers demonstrating consistently sub-standard productivity are just as detrimental to the bottom line, if not more so, than those who are absent from work.

It is often seen that workplace health care programs that include chiropractic care reduce what you pay for employees’ chronic illnesses such as coronary heart disease, stroke and type 2 diabetes. A decrease in absenteeism, a lower employee turnover and improved worker satisfaction and morale are other benefits seen in organizations that promote health and continue to educate their employees concerning wellness and preventative health care alternatives. By showing your workers that you care about their well-being, you’re well on your way to not only a healthier staff but a more productive one as well.

Let me share with you a study that was performed by Dr. Joanne Nyiendo of Oregon comparing work time lost when comparing treatment by chiropractors and medical doctors. This study was a report on the loss of time from work for people who visited doctors of chiropractic versus those who visited medical doctors for treatment of low back pain. The median  missed days of work for individuals with a similar severity of injury was 9.0 days for those visiting doctors of chiropractic and 11.5 for individuals visiting medical doctors. Individuals visiting chiropractors more often returned to work having missed one week or less of work days. The median days of missed work for individuals who had chronic back pain and visited medical doctors was 34.5 days while the median days of missed work for those visiting doctors of chiropractic was 9 days.

Research shows that for every dollar spent on wellness care in the work place, there is a drop in absenteeism costs of about $2.73 and about a $3.27 in reduced medical costs. You have a stake in the health and well-being of your employees. Their physical and mental status—whether they exercise and eat well, suffer from a chronic illness or are obese—affect how well they perform on the job. And that drives your business success.

A service that we at Spoelstra Family Chiropractic offer is to visit your work place to help to educate your staff on wellness practices including the importance of the spine in improving or maintaining optimal health. We have found that once people learn how integral the spine is to one’s overall health, many choose to take the next step to health and wellness by incorporating chiropractic care into their health care regime. The education we provide to your staff will leave them much more knowledgeable about how the nervous system is affected by the spine. If the nervous system has interference by a misaligned bone in the spine, the many organs and tissues of your body won’t be able to function properly and possibly cause disease, pain or other ill health.

Give us a call at 208-677-7434 or stop by and see us at 370 E. Kathleen Ave., Suite 600, Coeur d’Alene to inquire about how we can help you and your staff to live a healthier and happier new year! You can also find us on the web at www.CDAHealth.com and on Facebook and Twitter.

Reference:  Myiendo, Joanne. “Disability Low Back Oregon Workers’ Compensation Claims.  Part II: Time Loss.” Journal of Manipulative and Physiological Therapeutics 1991 14(4); 231-239.

Idaho Department of Labor, among nation’s best

The Idaho Department of Labor is being recognized as the nation’s best among small states in resolving disputed unemployment insurance claims.

The U.S. Department of Labor’s administrator for unemployment insurance, Gay Gilbert, notified Idaho Labor Director Roger B. Madsen on Wednesday that Idaho “is the top performer in 2010 among small states for issuing timely and high-quality appeals decisions.”