Healthy workers are happy workers ? and healthy workers mean employers save money. About $225 billion is losteach year on average as a result of employee health issues, the American Heart Association reported. These expenses are directly related to health care costs and other productivity-related problems, the AHA found.
In Maryland, specifically in Baltimore, businesses are working to have healthier employees.
“Studies suggest that implementing a work site physical activity program and promoting a culture of physical activity will help companies increase productivity, reduce absenteeism, lower turnover and reduce health care costs,” St. Agnes Hospital President Bonnie Phipps said in a statement.
One of these ways is through the Start! Fit-Friendly program AHA launched in January. The program helps and recognizes companies that promote health and wellness among their employees.
Maryland has the most Start! Fit-Friendly companies of any state. Locally, six companies have earned the AHA?s “gold” level recognition, meeting the criteria of the Start! Fit-Friendly company program during twice-yearly appraisals. These companies are Union Memorial Hospital, Sinai Hospital of Baltimore, Quest Diagnostics, Let?s Dish, LifeBridge Health and Fitness, and McCormick and Co. Inc.
“We feel that being a fit friend company has long-term effects on the workplace,” said Neil Meltzer, the president and chief operating officer of Sinai Hospital. “It?s a great way to reduce health care costs and things associated with worktime loss.”
Poor diet, lack of exercise and tobacco use are linked to about one-third of all deaths ? about 700,000 people ? in America each year, the National Governor?s Association reported. More than a quarter of all American adults are classified as physically inactive.
In order to receive a Start! Fit award, businesses must meet six physical activity standards, two nutrition criteria and one corporate culture benchmark on the award application form.
More info
Any company that would like to apply to be a Start! Fit-Friendly business can visit whte program’s Web site or call 410-637-4566. Deadline for applications is July 30.
