[February 16, 2012]

Americans Started 2012 with Great Optimism, According to New Data

Americans' overall well-being reached 66.6 in January, a seven-month high, according to the Gallup-Healthways Well-Being Index^® (WBI). This improvement in well-being was driven by positive movement in the Life Evaluation and Healthy Behaviors Indices.

The Life Evaluation Index, evaluating current life and anticipated future life situations, improved to 50.1, its highest point since March 2011. Americans stating that they were thriving reached an eight-month high to 53.4 percent and those who stated they were suffering (3.3 percent) reached its lowest point since January 2011. The Healthy Behaviors Index, measuring lifestyle habits, improved to 63.3 in January, from 61 in December. Sixty-four percent of Americans stated they ate "healthy all day yesterday" and 55.7 percent ate at least five servings of fruits and vegetables four times in the last week. In addition, 49.1 percent stated they exercised 30 minutes at least three days in the last week, the best January on record.

"We can see clearly from the WBI that as the economy and unemployment rates improve, so does the overall well-being of America," said Ben Leedle, Healthways president and CEO. "January's results are a step in the right direction and reiterate that we must focus the nation's efforts and resources on the many areas of well-being to improve the overall health of all people, which will also improve productivity while lowering healthcare costs."

Also improving for the fifth month in a row to 79.7, the Emotional Health Index, a composite of daily experiences, showed respondents had less stress (61.1 percent), worry (69.2 percent) and sadness (82.7 percent) than in the previous six months. In addition, a high number of Americans (92.6 percent) stated they were "treated with respect a lot of the day yesterday." Such a response gives insights into how Americans feel and can carry over into areas such asengagement in their work and their productivity.

The Physical Health Index, analyzing the nation's physical health, improved to 77.1. Americans expressed feeling well-rested (73.2 percent) and those with the flu declined to 2.6 percent. The Work Environment Index, evaluating job satisfaction, remained low and flat (47.6), revealing 80.1 percent of employees stated their "supervisor always creates an environment that is trusting and open." The Basic Access Index continues to be low at 81.9. Contributing to this low score is the 57.2 percent of Americans stating their city is "getting better" and the 81.5 percent saying they have "enough money to buy food."

In addition, the number of respondents with health insurance increased to 82.6 percent, compared to 82.1 percent in December.

To download the full January report, click here.

For more on the science and methodology behind the WBI, please visit www.well-beingindex.com.

About Healthways

Healthways (NASDAQ: HWAY) is the leading provider of specialized, comprehensive solutions to help millions of people maintain or improve their health and well-being and, as a result, reduce overall costs. Healthways' solutions are designed to keep healthy people healthy, reduce health-related risks and optimize care for those with chronic illness. Our proven, evidence-based programs provide highly specific and personalized interventions for each individual in a population, irrespective of age or health status, and are delivered to consumers by phone, mail, Internet and face-to-face interactions, both domestically and internationally. Healthways also provides a national, fully accredited complementary and alternative Health Provider Network and a national Fitness Center Network, offering convenient access to individuals who seek health services outside of, and in conjunction with, the traditional health care system. For more information, please visit http://www.healthways.com.

About Gallup

Gallup has studied human nature and behavior for more than 75 years. Gallup's reputation for delivering relevant, timely, and visionary research on what people around the world think and feel is the cornerstone of the organization. Gallup employs many of the world's leading scientists in management, economics, psychology, and sociology, and our consultants assist leaders in identifying and monitoring behavioral economic indicators worldwide. Gallup consultants help organizations boost organic growth by increasing customer engagement and maximizing employee productivity through measurement tools, coursework, and strategic advisory services. Gallup's 2,000 professionals deliver services at client organizations, through the Web, at Gallup University's campuses, and in more than 40 offices around the world. For more information, please visit http://www.gallup.com.

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