Many forward-thinking business leaders say just that. They view skyrocketing health care costs as a clear and present danger to global competitiveness. And they are eager to integrate wellness programs — employee gyms, nutrition counseling, smoking-cessation programs — into their workplaces. But not all businesses can afford the upfront costs to do this.

That’s why we introduced the Healthy Workforce Act, with strong support of the U.S. Chamber of Commerce, the American Heart Association, the National Business Coalition on Health and many others. Our bipartisan bill would provide a 50 percent tax credit to businesses that offer a qualified, comprehensive wellness program to their employees. We are especially interested in making it affordable for more small businesses to offer wellness programs.

Chronic diseases account for more than 75 percent of current U.S. medical expenditures. This includes heart disease, cancer, diabetes, stress and depression — many of which are preventable by changes in diet and lifestyle. Yet less than 3 percent of our health care spending goes toward prevention and wellness.

Today’s negative health trends are having a profound impact on the profits and competitiveness of U.S. businesses. Average employer medical costs increased 72 percent between 2000 and 2006 — more than 10 percent a year. Employers are bearing the cost of diet-related chronic disease and obesity — through costlier health care plans and higher absenteeism rates.

Research shows that, on average, it costs four times more to ensure an employee who has diabetes than one who does not. Even worse, productivity losses due to poor employee health are more costly to businesses than medical costs.

Members of Congress in both parties are discussing health care reform. Simply extending sick care coverage to more people is not the answer. We must change the focus of our health care system towards prevention. Not doing so is a recipe for bankruptcy.

If we’re serious about reining in skyrocketing health care costs, part of the solution must be to reshape America into a genuine wellness society — one that emphasizes disease prevention, good nutrition, physical activity and oral and mental health. To do so, we need to enlist our families, schools and communities, as well as our workplaces.

We’re convinced that corporate America has the expertise, resources and enlightened self-interest to help change the way we approach health care. Employees who are fit are less likely to call in sick. They have more energy and self-confidence. They are more resistant to stress. They have more positive attitudes.

Workplace wellness programs are economical, typically costing $20 to $200 per employee. And they are a good investment, with some programs producing $10 in returns for each dollar invested.

The Healthy Workforce Act’s aim is to make it easier for all businesses to offer quality health-care coverage to their employees. It would create incentives for employers to help their employees get healthy and stay that way — and out of the hospital.

We’ve all heard Einstein’s definition of insanity as doing the same thing over and over again, expecting a different result. Our current approach to health care fits that definition. It’s time for a new emphasis on wellness and disease prevention. Our bill will give American businesses powerful incentives to help lead the way.

Republican John Cornyn of Texas is a member of the Senate Finance, Budget and Judiciary Committees. Democrat Tom Harkin of Iowa is a senior member of the Senate Committee on Health, Education, Labor and Pensions. They may be reached through cornyn.senate.gov and harkin.senate.gov.