alison-hill-july-2014

Hamilton, Bermuda (January 29, 2015) – In a time of rising obesity rates and skyrocketing healthcare costs, the Argus Group, in collaboration with Johns Hopkins Medicine International, is pleased to launch THRIVE, an innovative nutrition, fitness and wellness programme aimed at improving the health of Bermuda’s workforce.

The multi-pronged programme offers participants a variety of support tools and services that are designed to help them better understand and manage their personal health. Argus is the only insurance company in Bermuda to adopt this holistic approach to wellness. One of the key components, developed in conjunction with Johns Hopkins Medicine, will focus on creating programmes and support services for our members with the most critical needs who will have the option of working one-on-one, in strict confidence, with a Nurse Advocate to help them improve their health and well-being.

Alison Hill, Chief Executive Officer of the Argus Group, comments: “Argus is focused on implementing changes that help to make our health system sustainable. With THRIVE, we know we are moving in the right direction to accomplish this. Better health care equals lower health costs.

“We built our strategic relationship with Johns Hopkins Medicine in response to client feedback. We need to provide assistance with the management and coordination of care for our clients, especially those living with chronic illnesses. We are confident that this programme will provide long-term sustainable health benefits for our clients and ultimately Bermuda’s entire population.”  

“With more than 18 years of experience in population health management, we apply best practices rooted in scientific evidence to improve the overall health and satisfaction of participants, while managing costs and service utilization,” said Linda Dunbar, Ph.D., R.N., Vice President, Population Health for Johns Hopkins HealthCare LLC. “The effects of programmes of this nature are both broad and long term. It may begin with workplace populations but will quickly expand beyond to the broader Bermudian public.”

The THRIVE programme is voluntary and available to all Argus Health insurance clients and their insured dependents. A major component of the programme includes dynamic online wellness challenges. Each initiative will help individuals set and meet personal goals alongside their colleagues. At Argus, we understand that individuals are motivated by different things so we offer a variety of innovative incentives. Participants can monitor and measure progress, and earn points towards prizes by completing fitness, nutrition and well-being challenges such as managing stress. The community can also benefit as Argus will donate money to selected charities when participants complete healthy habits goals over a period of time.

Ms. Hill concludes: “We look forward to sharing our progress in the coming months. We firmly believe that by empowering individuals to work together toward better fitness and a healthier lifestyle, we are all investing in a healthier future for Bermuda.”

For more information about the Argus THRIVE programme, visit the Argus website at www.Thrive.Argus.bm.