Milken Institutes, "An Unhealthy America"

While writing some well-being emails for work, I ran across this interesting research done by Milken Institute.  I've never heard of Milken Institute, but some web searches show that it is a reputable, non-profit, non-partisan economic think tank.  The original founder looks a bit shady (Mike Milken, who pleaded guilty to six accounts of securities and tax evasion).  However, the reputation of the Institute seems to have outweighed the founder's woes as it seems to be highly regarded and the accomplishments it has made have been profound.

This research and summary not only looks at the current status of America's health, but looks at trends and projects what the health status will be beyond 2020.  Although not factual and will only be proven with time, it is interesting to see what it will be like if current trends continue.  Just a word of warning:  it's not good.

Here's an interesting tidbit that can whet your palate:
They researched 7 different diseases that accounted for an economic impact of $1.3 trillion annually.  Of this amount $1.1 trillion are due to lost productivity (workplace wellness, people!)

There are some really, really good graphs in there, as well:

This graph also shows the importance and the reason why so many workplace wellness initiatives are trying to find ways to calculate presenteeism.  This metric can make or break a business, and is surely one of greatest things impacted by a wellness movement.

Take a look at it... and let me know if there should be red flags about this institute (ethics, conductivity, etc.).