Q1. Just how unhealthy are Americans today?

A1. According to national statistics, if you take 100 of your coworkers, 78 would describe their jobs as stressful, 20 would have some form of cardiovascular illness, 10 would have diabetes, 25 would have high blood pressure, 25 would smoke, 49 would have high cholesterol, 10 would suffer from chemical dependency, 64 would be overweight, and 50 would not regularly wear their seatbelt. Now multiply that by the millions of American workers to get the picture of our state of health. In fact, Americans are in a state of declining health for the first time in history.

Q2. How much is poor health costing employers these days?

A2. Costs associated with smoking, obesity and stress are overwhelming. According to the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation, an employee who is significantly overweight can have benefit expenses that are 20 percent higher than a person who is not.

A tobacco user can have medical expenses that are 15 percent higher than tobacco-free employees. Individuals with chronic illness like diabetes, heart disease and arthritis cost three to five times as much as those who are healthy.

Q3. What are some quick things I can do to start on a healthier path?

A3. Get regular checkups to discover health problems before they become serious; work daily moderate exercise into your life; wear your seatbelt every time you're in the car; if you smoke, find a smoking cessation program that works for you; and take mini mental health breaks every day. It's also important to have a relationship with a primary care doctor, even if your health plan doesn't require you to have one. Your doctor can be your most important source for health improvement ideas, and a doctor who knows you well is better equipped to help you get and stay healthy.

Q4. How do I assess my risk factors?

A4. Take a health assessment — As part of your UPS-sponsored health plan benefits, UPSer's and their spouses covered by the flexible benefits plan can take a health assessment that offers an in-depth assessment of your lifestyle and factors that impact your health status.