Agnesian HealthCare Named American Heart Association Start Fit Friendly Company

 For the fourth consecutive year, Agnesian HealthCare has been recognized for its efforts to promote physical activity and health in the workplace by the American Heart Association as a “Start! Fit-Friendly Companies.”

            Regionally, the association recognized 363 companies in 2015. More than 982,000 employees participated in the programs.

            Start! Fit-Friendly Companies reach Gold level status by implementing various activities and programs to encourage physical activity, nutrition and culture enhancements, such as on-site walking routes, healthy food choices in cafeterias and vending machines, annual employee health risk assessments and on-line tracking tools.

“Our associates’ health and wellness is important to us,” says Sue Edminster, Agnesian HealthCare vice president of Human Resources. “We are honored to be recognized by the American Heart Association for our efforts to help our associates live healthier lives.”

Poor diet, lack of exercise and other major risk factors for heart disease and stroke are responsible for at least 25 percent of companies’ healthcare costs. By creating a wellness environment, companies can help lower healthcare costs and protect their most important resource – employees. In fact, research shows that for every $1 invested in worksite wellness, companies can receive up to $3 in return.

“Companies that promote worksite wellness are achieving higher levels of productivity, reducing turnover, and some are even reducing healthcare costs,” says Edminster.

To view the complete list of the 2015 Start! Fit-Friendly Companies visit startwalkingnow.org.