Business
Cigna starts health coaching
NEWS IN BRIEF — Posted July 9, 2007
Cigna has announced that on Sept. 1 it will begin a new health coaching program to focus on lifestyle choices and prevention.
Cigna's personal health coaches will be available to help members better manage stress, achieve their ideal weight and quit smoking.
The program is similar to those started by other plans, as more insurers focus on prevention as a way to lower health care costs.
The coaches will help members lose weight by developing an individual eating plan; help reduce stress by addressing physical activity, nutrition, sleep and relaxation techniques; and help smokers to quit through smoking cessation programs offering group and individual coaching as well as over-the-counter nicotine replacement therapy, such as a patch or gum, available at no charge.
The programs will be offered in both English and Spanish.
Note: This item originally appeared at http://www.ama-assn.org/amednews/2007/07/09/bibf0709.htm.