Wellness Solutions Receive Praise

CLEVELAND, OH--(Marketwired - Dec 9, 2014) - Bravo Wellness, the leader in outcomes-based incentives, is pleased to announce that several of its clients and partners have been named 2014 IHC Superstars. The Institute for HealthCare Consumerism (IHC) Superstar awards were created to recognize those individuals who go above and beyond in executing innovative health and benefit management programs or who provide those solutions to organizations. Congratulations to Dennis Clark - Valeo, Chad Thies - Union Bank & Trust, Charlie Leatham - Hays Companies, and Kent Grathwohl - Group Associates (currently with Gallagher Benefit Services).

"We've been humbled with many great accolades for our company growth and success, but there's nothing more gratifying than seeing our clients and business partners earn recognition for the successful impact their wellness programs are having," said Jim Pshock, Bravo Wellness founder and CEO. "It's a true honor to be associated with these winners and to be a part of their award-winning strategies."

Dennis Clark, U.S. Human Resource Director at Valeo, Most Innovative Benefit Plan Design & Implementation Award. Dennis and his team's focus on reducing healthcare cost trends has been a tremendous success. Implementing outcomes-based wellness, along with frequent communication to employees and the availability of tools for health improvement, has helped drive 97% participation. Another Valeo business unit of similar size and demographics was not offered the wellness plan, allowing for the development of a natural control group. The difference was an 11% (control group) vs. a 2.5% claims cost trend over the five year period they've been working with Bravo! The participating population is slowing and reversing the national trends in obesity, elevated blood pressure, and nicotine usage.

Chad Thies, First Vice President of Human Resources at Union Bank & Trust, Most Effective Employee Communication & Education Award. UBT has created an array of unique benefits in the pursuit of associates' optimal health. And because of this pursuit, these benefits are made available to all employees, not just to those on the health plan. In addition to onsite health screenings and flu vaccinations, they hold educational meetings, provide access to free fitness memberships, health coaches, resource materials, and even offer free, healthy meals. They also created a Wellness Passport booklet, containing important information and resources for participants to utilize as they log their progress and personal journeys towards health.

Charlie Leatham, Vice President at Hays Companies, Most Innovative Partner/Consultant Award. Charlie recognizes the value of outcomes-based incentive programs and the impact they can have on employees' lives. He has helped multiple clients find success with these programs and understands the unique challenges each face in the delivery of their programs to employees. With his ability to naturally align the HR and benefits teams' goals with solutions that deliver results, Charlie works strategically with clients to meet their wellness needs and increase engagement towards good health.

Kent Grathwohl, Vice President at Group Associates, Most Innovative Broker Award. Kent has been a pioneer in introducing biometric-based wellness programs to his clients, guiding them to wellness solutions that are proven to maintain or even reduce corporate costs. Staying current on innovative and cutting edge applications in wellness has allowed Kent to provide unsurpassed support to his clients. With a strong understanding of, and involvement in his clients' philosophies, Kent is able to bring wellness initiatives that best fit each culture and effectively work for all employees.  

ABOUT BRAVO WELLNESS
Bravo Wellness has been a disruptive force in the wellness industry since its inception in 2008. Bravo pioneered the outcomes-based wellness incentive space and carefully designs compliant incentives that result in unprecedented engagement levels. Bravo's case studies prove and demonstrate sustained health improvement and reduced claims spending -- all while equipping individuals to make better choices and providing thoughtful alternatives to those for whom special exceptions are warranted. With roots in data management, compliance and technology, Bravo recognizes that it's rarely the lack of activities that makes a program unsuccessful, it's often the lack of motivation and engagement -- a problem that can be solved. Visit www.bravowell.com to learn more.