Napoleon, OH— For the third consecutive year, Henry County Hospital
was designated a Fit Friendly company by the American Heart Association
and recognized as a
Gold Level Award recipient. Awarded twice per year, "Gold-level"
recognition is for companies that fulfill criteria such as offering employees
physical activity support, increasing healthy eating options at work,
promoting a wellness culture, as well as implementing at least six of
the physical activities, two of the nutrition activities and one of the
culture activities listed in the Start! application form.
"As a Gold Level Award winner Henry County Hospital has not only recognized
the importance of a healthy workplace for employees but has also taken
important steps to create a culture of physical activity in the workplace,"
said Nancy Brown, chief executive officer of the American Heart Association.
"Promoting a wellness culture by providing support to employees and
implementing physical, nutritional, and cultural are extraordinary efforts,
and we commend Henry County Hospital and its employees."
Adult Americans spend most of their waking hours at work. Sadly, many of
those hours are spent sitting at a desk. This makes them vulnerable to
health risks associated with inactive lifestyles. Studies suggest that
by starting a worksite physical activity program and promoting a culture
of activity that companies can see increased productivity, lower turnover,
and even reduced healthcare costs. Besides benefiting companies, a healthier
workplace helps employees live healthier, longer lives.
"I am extremely proud of the culture of wellness offered to the employees
of Henry County Hospital," stated Kim Bordenkircher, chief executive
officer of Henry County Hospital. "Wellness Services continues to
grow and develop new programming to best meet the needs of the Henry County
Hospital employees and community. A hospital is meant to be a sacred healing
place for patients and extending that environment to the employees just
seems like the right thing to do."
This past winter, Henry County Hospital conducted its 5th annual Health
Risk Assessment this is just one of the many wellness benefits offered
to Henry County Hospital employees at no charge. A Health Risk Assessment
is a lifestyle questionnaire in addition to blood tests and vital signs
to assess health risks and lifestyle choices. Henry County Hospital had
close to 160 employees participate in this year's Health Risk Assessments.
Currently, Henry County Hospital 's Wellness Services staff is working
in conjunction with the Henry County Health Partners to assist other local
businesses and organizations in implementing workplace wellness programs
by utilizing the Fit Friendly application. The application serves as a
foundation to start physical activity programs, and initiate nutritional
and cultural changes in the workplace. The local businesses participating
meet every other month to review the application and share local resources
that can help companies meet the Fit Friendly criteria. The implementation
of workplace wellness programs will have a positive effect on the overall
health of Henry County residents.
To learn more about Wellness Services or Henry County Hospital employee
benefits visit www.henrycountyhospital.org
Pictured: Some of the Henry County Hospital employees who participated
in the health risk assessment.