American Heart Association names VU a Platinum Start! Fit-Friendly Company
Posted 10/27/2009
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 online tracking tools.
Companies like Vanderbilt that achieve Platinum recognition — the highest tier — take the program a step further by measuring the outcomes of their wellness efforts.
The AHA also released a policy statement in Circulation: Journal of the American Heart Association that shows worksite wellness programs are proven to prevent the major modifiable risk factors for cardiovascular diseases including smoking, overweight, obesity, high blood pressure, high cholesterol and diabetes.
The Association recognized 21 Nashville companies in 2009 — only five at platinum level.
“With the nation’s rise in obesity and the escalating cost of health care, one of Vanderbilt’s priorities is the health and wellness of our employees,” said C. Wright Pinson, deputy vice chancellor for Health Affairs and CEO of the Hospitals and Clinics Vanderbilt University Medical Center. “We are honored to be recognized by the American Heart Association for our efforts to help our employees live healthier lives.”
In the Circulation policy paper, the association said that companies can save up to $15 for every $1 spent on health and wellness within 12 to18 months of implementing a worksite wellness program. Each employee who works to lower their risk status saves their company an estimated $53 per year; these savings remain each year that employee maintains the low-risk level.
“The Start! movement opens the door for positive changes at workplaces,” said Pinson. “Rising healthcare costs have corporate America seeking ways to encourage employees to improve their health. Designating walking paths in or around workplaces are an inexpensive way to get employees involved.”
To view the complete list of the 2009 Start! Fit-Friendly Companies, visit startwalkingnow.org.
Contact: Health Plus, health.plus@vanderbilt.edu
Start! is sponsored nationally by SUBWAY® restaurants, Healthy Choice® and AstraZeneca ®, and locally by CVS Caremark and Vanderbilt University Medical Center.
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