WICHITA, Kan. — The American Heart Association has named Newton Medical Center as a Platinum-level recipient of the July 2011 Start! Fit-Friendly Company initiative. The designation honors organizations that actively promote the health and wellness of their employees through better nutrition and exercise.
“We strive to continually make employee wellness a priority,” said Todd Tangeman, human resources director for Newton Medical Center. “By committing to provide the best work environment possible, our employees have the opportunity for healthier choices and lifestyles, which benefits the individual employees and the entire organization through reduced health care costs. We are honored that the American Heart Association has recognized us as a Start! Fit-Friendly Company and will continue to create positive experiences and healthy options for our employees.”
Newton Medical Center achieved the Platinum-level status by:
- Offering employees physical activity options in the workplace.
- Increasing healthy eating options at the worksite.
- Promoting a wellness culture in the workplace.
- Implementing at least nine criteria outlined by the American Heart Association in the areas of physical activity, nutrition and culture.
- Demonstrating measurable outcomes related to workplace wellness.
The hospital’s Employee Health and Wellness initiative was begun by hospital administrators and is coordinated by an on-site health coach. The most popular wellness program activities include the Maintain, No Gain Holiday Weight Loss Challenge, the Health and Wellness Fair and health risk assessments, which had a participation of 315 employees in November 2010. Currently, employee participation stands at 80 percent.
“To encourage participation, we offer such incentives as a snack coupon for a healthy item in the cafeteria, a diet and fitness journal, and exercise equipment,” added Tangeman. “We’ve drawn names for a helmet, gloves, safety reflectors and pedometers. Our employees are pleased to participate in the various activities, and it’s great to see them taking control of their health and wellness.”
For more information about the Start! Fit-Friendly Companies Program and other American Heart Association programs, or to learn more about incorporating more physical activity and healthy nutrition into each day, visit startwalkingnow.org.
Newton Medical Center is a comprehensive 103-bed hospital in Newton, Kan., offering full-service medical care in Harvey, Butler and northern Sedgwick counties. For more information about Newton Medical Center, call 316-283-2700 or visit www.newtonmedicalcenter.com.