ValueOptions® Advises Plenty of Sleep and Exercise Can Help Lower Stress in Tough Economic Times

Business Wire, Oct 28, 2008

Leading managed behavioral health and wellness company provides top ten recommendations for staying healthy and curbing stress.

NORFOLK, Va. -- ValueOptions([R]), Inc., the nation's largest independent behavioral health care and wellness provider, reports an 89 percent increase in calls this year from members presenting specifically with issues concerning bankruptcy, foreclosures and financial hardship cases. To help individuals and families weather the uncertainties of the current economy, ValueOptions([R]) provides recommendations for managing financial-related stress and how to maintain good physical health and mental health.

"The news today is saturated with falling stock prices and a weak housing market," said Rich Paul, Vice President, ValueOptions([R]) Health & Performance Solutions. "Its understandable that many people are on edge. We want to remind people that there are healthy ways for dealing with stress and anxiety in these troubling economic times. Keeping good health is also vital to preventing chronic health issues such as high blood pressure and heart disease and promoting longevity."

ValueOptions([R])recommends ten behavioral health and wellness strategies for coping with stress during financial uncertainties:

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"People who find themselves feeling anxious or distracted as a result of the current financial crisis should also seek the support of their employer's employee assistance program, which provides counseling and referrals to appropriate resources," said Paul. "For many, simply increasing one's financial literacy can give them a sense of control and peace of mind."

About ValueOptions([R]), Inc.

ValueOptions([R]), Inc., the nation's largest independent behavioral health and wellness company, provides services to more than 23 million individuals through a variety of contracts with state and county agencies and, additionally, with health plans and employers. ValueOptions([R]) is a national managed care and employee assistance company that specializes in management for all behavioral health issues, and mental health and chemical dependency diagnoses. Our mission is to improve the lives of the people we serve.