From heart health to urology, get specific with men and women's healthcare

HEART DISEASE: Heart disease is the cause of death for one out of five women in the U.S., and is developing in younger women at an alarming rate. Employers who understand the risk factors can make sure they have the necessary benefits and support to counteract this troubling trend. Northeast Business Group on Health recently published a guide on heart disease, obesity and diabetes in women, to offer employers support on preventive care to reverse high-risk lifestyle habits like poor nutrition, lack of exercise and high stress levels.

"Offering digital primary care is important, but employers have a variety of other prevention and chronic disease management tools they offer employees," says Candice S. , CEO of NEBGH. "Apps or digital platforms that enable folks to track how healthy they are eating, how many steps they are taking, how is their sleep, what is their stress level — all of that is preventive."?

From standing desks to health screenings, here are a few easy ways to support women's health: 20% of women die from heart disease. Employer benefits and intervention can lead to change

UROLOGY: While men encounter fewer bodily changes throughout their lives than women, they also tend to avoid seeing the doctor more — according to a Cleveland Clinic survey, 65% of men say they avoid going to the doctor for as long as possible and 20% admit to lying to their doctor due to fear or embarrassment. The CDC estimates that women are 33% more likely to see a healthcare provider than men.?

This means men are more likely to wait for symptoms to become unbearable, increasing the chance of a serious diagnosis and costly medical bills. For example, middle-aged men may suddenly feel exhausted or listless but dismiss the feeling, not realizing this is a symptom of prostate cancer.?

"Even though it's true that you are getting older, there's usually a reason behind why you're feeling so tired," says David Shusterman , urologist and founder of NY Urology . "At that point, it's good to start seeking medical help from people who understand prostate and testosterone management."

Dr. Shusterman shares a check-list for men to get the care they need: A urologist explains why men can't afford to delay care

HEALTHCARE COSTS: Benefits brokerage Nava Benefits audited over 600 insurance carrier bills charged to their employer clients, finding that 90% had enrollment errors. While some were damaging financially — the employer was paying for workers who weren't actually enrolled in healthcare benefits, for example — others negatively impacted the company's reputation: Workers who had chosen to be on their employer's plan weren't enrolled, and now can't access care. Either way, these mistakes come at a cost.?

"Pretty much every client, every employer we've engaged with has this problem," says Brandon Weber , co-founder and CEO of Nava. "Every employer in America is paying for the next healthcare increase. We have to solve these problems."?

Here's how to avoid overpaying and underdelivering on your healthcare: 90% of employers have open enrollment errors — and it's costing them billions