Healthways (HWAY) and Gallup recently announced the results of the monthly Gallup-Healthways Well-Being Index (“WBI”) Report for May 2011.The overarching WBI measure remained on the lower side at 66.5, relatively unchanged from 66.2 recorded in April.
For the ninth consecutive month, the measure has failed to transcend the 66.0 and 66.7 range, demonstrating minimal enhancement in the overall well-being of the American people.
Among the WBI sub-components, the Basic Access Index moved in tandem with the economy and hit its second lowest level (at 82) in history. A leading causative factor was the record low number of dentist visits (63.9%) in the preceding year.
Also, contributing to the decline of this index was a dip in the number of Americans who were able to consistently afford adequate shelter/housing. For the first time since the start of the current economic downturn, this key metric slipped below 90%. Thirdly, there was a decline in the percentage of Americans consuming a proper measure of fresh vegetables and fruits.
The Healthy Behaviors Index remained relatively unchanged at 63.8, a weak measure when adjusted for seasonality. Among other key parameters of well-being, the Work Environment Index slid to its second all-time low of 46.9. In line with the feel good factor of summer time, the Emotional Health Index picked up to 79.6 indicating a measure of de-stress.
Healthways is a prominent vendor of specialized and composite solutions, enabling recipients to maintain or improve their well-being and, consequently, reduce systemic healthcare costs. The company’s solutions are intended to keep people healthy and mitigate lifestyle risk factors that can cause disease and optimize care for those with chronic illness. Healthways competes with Express Scripts (ESRX) among others.
Gallup is known for providing timely and pertinent research on opinion. The company employs scientists in disciplines such as economics, sociology, management and psychology. Its consultants identify and monitor behavioral economic indicators on a worldwide basis, thereby enabling companies to increase organic growth.
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