First few Article Sentences
As is commonly known, over the last several decades an epidemic of "lifestyle diseases" has developed in the United States. Unhealthy lifestyle activities such as inactivity, poor nutrition, tobacco use, and frequent alcohol consumption, have caused a sharp increase in the prevalence of chronic diseases, including diabetes, heart disease, and chronic pulmonary conditions. Out of the concern for the impact of chronic disease on employee health and well-being, as well the cost of health care coverage and employee productivity, hospitals have increasingly begun implementing health promotion and disease prevention policies, commonly referred to as "wellness" programs. Even unions such as SEIU and UFCW, have endorsed wellness programs to varying degrees, and have even negotiated plan terms with several healthcare institutions. Indeed, the Affordable Care Act (ACA) creates new incentives to promote employer wellness programs. While specific wellness program procedures will vary from workplace to workplace, their primary purpose is generally the same: To establish an organization-wide policy designed to support healthy behavior and improve health outcomes while at work.