THE AMERICAN HEART ASSOCIATION’S national Fit-Friendly Companies Program has recognized SkyRidge Medical Center for promoting physical activity and health in the workplace. From left are Stephanie Austin, Karla Stokes and Wanda Perry, representing SkyRidge; Dale Huffstetler, American Heart Association; and Amanda Burns, Kristine Godfrey, Coleman Foss, Jeanette Fetter and Laura Franklin, SkyRidge. This is a contributed photograph.
“SkyRidge is honored to receive this award,” said Coleman Foss, SkyRidge CEO. “We’ve worked hard to make SkyRidge a healthy place to work and to meet the needs of our employees. This award is evidence that our initiatives are working.”
Adult Americans spend the majority of their waking hours at work, many in sedentary careers, amplifying the risk for medical problems such as obesity, high blood pressure and diabetes. Obesity alone costs American businesses $12.7 billion in medical expenses and $225.8 billion in health-related productivity losses per year.
The Fit-Friendly application process asks employers questions about what is made available to their employees in terms of healthy infrastructure. Items like exercise facilities, an employee wellness program and publicized walking routes are all examples of items for which companies receive credit.
“Like many companies, we are always looking for ways to make SkyRidge a better place to work,” according to Amanda Burns, recruitment and retention professional at the Cleveland famility. “As a healthcare facility, we want to give our employees and their families every opportunity to live healthier lives.”
Studies suggest that implementing a worksite physical activity program and promoting a culture of physical activity will help companies increase productivity, reduce absenteeism, lower turnover and reduce costs. Studies show that preventable illnesses cost American business up to $300 billion in losses.
As part of their award, SkyRidge Medical Center will have the right to use the Fit-Friendly logo and seal in their employee-recruitment activities. Surveys show that a growing number of job seekers consider a company’s healthy options when making a career choice.
Companies interested in the Fit-Friendly program may contact the local American Heart Association office at 423-763-4408 or apply online at www.ffc.heart.org.
