American Heart Association seeking Fit-Friendly companies

Call for applicants underway; deadline is July 31st

Nashville, TN – If you’re a company going above and beyond when it comes to your employees’ health, the American Heart Association wants to recognize you.
 
The association is encouraging Middle Tennessee companies to apply for their Fit- Friendly Award. The recognition honors employers who show progressive leadership and concern for their staff in the area of employee health, especially physical activity.

Adult Americans spend most of their waking hours at work – many of them sitting at a desk. This makes them vulnerable to health risks associated with inactive lifestyles. Studies show that worksite physical activity programs and promoting a culture of activity can help increase productivity, reduce absenteeism, lower turnover and reduce healthcare costs. Besides benefiting companies, a healthier workplace helps employees to live healthier, longer lives.

The American Heart Association Fit-Friendly program offers companies tools to create a healthier workplace environment, along with customized staff support. Typical qualifying activities may include providing a company walking program and routes, allowing staff to wear athletic shoes in the workplace on designated “sneaker days” and making sure healthy food and beverage options are in company meetings and vending machines. Companies are encouraged to share their innovative solutions aiding employee health.

Immediate benefits of the program include:

• Employee access to program resources, including the MyStart! Online tracking tool.
• Materials to help promote company wellness programs to employees.
• Newsletter templates for internal distribution to employees.
• Consultation on CPR/AED (automated external defibrillator) programs.

It’s easy to gain recognition for the work a company is doing to help fight heart disease and promote wellness. Simply visit http://ffc.heart.org for the online application or contact the American Heart Association in Nashville at 615.340.4100.
 
The next deadline for Fit-Friendly Company applications and renewals is July 31st, 2011. An American Heart Association Expert Panel reviews applications and awards recognition to your company. Each year, companies may renew their Fit-Friendly status.