BCHS recognized as fit-friendly organization
Each year, more than 1 million Americans suffer heart attacks and 700,000 have strokes. A leading risk factor for those conditions is a lack of physical activity.
That is why Battle Creek Health System began partnering in the American Heart Association's new program called 'Start! Walking Challenge,' a physical activity to fight heart disease and stroke by getting people moving through workplace walking. As a result, BCHS is listed in a recent edition of Fortune magazine along with other 'fit-friendly companies across the U.S.
Research conducted by Partnership for Prevention in Washington, DC found that healthy employees cost businesses less money annually. For every $1 companies spend on prevention, they save $3.50 in savings from reductions in absenteeism and health care costs. It also improves employee attitudes toward work.
"By making physical activity part of our everyday lives, whether it be walking on our breaks, at lunch, or even during a quick meeting with a colleague, we can begin to see other benefits like weight control, lowering high blood pressure, and boosting energy," says Denise Brooks-Williams, BCHS president and CEO. "The AHA 'Start!' program encourages each of us to live longer and healthier lives by incorporating at least 30 minutes of physical activity into our daily routines."
The American Heart Association program provides tools to help companies create healthy lifestyle programs for their employees than spotlights them for doing it. For more information, contact the AHA at www.startwalkingnow.org.
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