2008

American Heart Association program recognizes healthy workplaces for employees

15 October, 2008

Akron, Ohio - Summa Health System is proud to announce that it has been recognized as a Start! Fit-Friendly Company for the second year in a row by the American Heart Association. This national program calls on individuals and employers to create a culture of physical activity and health to live longer, heart-healthy lives.

According to Start!, the program was built on a simple premise - walk more, eat well, live longer. This innovative movement brings individuals and companies together to create a mutually beneficial culture of physical activity and health by encouraging employees to step away from their desks to get some quick and easy physical activity at work.

"One of the unique ways we help employees to stay healthy and achieve their own personal goals in wellness is through our Wellness Works program," said Kyle Klawitter, system vice president of human resources at Summa Health System. "It's become very popular with our employees since it helps monitor, encourage and achieve results in several health areas."

When employees sign up for Wellness Works, they have their personal demographic completed, including a Personal Health Risk Assessment, weight, height, BMI and blood pressure. They also have their blood drawn for total cholesterol, HDL ("good" cholesterol), LDL ("bad" cholesterol), triglycerides and blood sugar levels.

To stay heart healthy, an individual requires 30 minutes or more of moderate activity every day. Through Summa's Activity Works, which is a component of Wellness Works, employees are encouraged to monitor and build up to that level by walking, dancing or exercising 10 minutes at a time. By doing some type of exercise every day, individuals can help:

• Reduce blood cholesterol
• Lower blood pressure
• Increase cardiovascular endurance
• Boost bone strength
• Burn calories
• Keep weight down
• Promote psychological well-being

Activity Works also includes defined walking routes on Summa Health System campuses - even inside walking routes for the winter - and a weekly newsletter with helpful tips.

About Summa Health System

Summa Health System is one of the largest organized delivery systems in Ohio. Encompassing a network of hospitals, community health centers, a health plan, a physician-hospital organization, research and a foundation, Summa is nationally renowned for excellence in patient care and for exceptional approaches to healthcare delivery. Summa's clinical services are consistently recognized by U.S. News and World Report, Thomson Healthcare (formerly Solucient) and The Leapfrog Group. For more information, visit www.summahealth.org.