Newswise — A recent survey released by the American Psychological Association confirmed that stress is on the rise in the U.S. According to the study, jobs are one of the main stressors. Adding to the problem is that many American adults spend most of their waking hours at deskbound jobs. Heart disease is the leading cause of death in this nation and physical inactivity doubles the risk, and increases a person’s chances of developing a host of serious medical problems, such as obesity, high blood pressure and diabetes.
Employees of Toledo-based ProMedica are getting a helping hand from their company in managing their stress. In the past year, ProMedica has implemented a Healthy Nutrition policy that requires healthy food choices to be offered in facility cafeterias, vending machines and at any ProMedica event. Also, employees receive 50% membership reductions at area fitness facilities. Additionally, employees receive regular information about resources to help improve stress management and live a healthier lifestyle. As a result, ProMedica has been named one of the nation’s most Fit-Friendly companies by the American Heart Association. It has been recognized as a Platinum-Level Start! Fit-Friendly Company for demonstrating progressive leadership in making healthy living a part of its corporate culture and promoting a healthy and physically-active workforce.
“Physical activity and employee wellness are important priorities at ProMedica. We are honored and excited to be recognized by the American Heart Association,” said Arturo Polizzi, chief human resources officer. “We’re committed to providing the best workplace environment possible.”
“The Start! Fit-Friendly Companies Program offers a unique, easy-to-implement opportunity for corporations to increase employees’ physical activity, which will help improve their health – and their employers’ bottom line,” said Laura Ritzler, co-director, ProMedica Wellness. “Even people who haven’t exercised regularly until middle age can reap significant benefits by starting a walking program.”
ProMedica, a mission-based organization that is ranked the No. 2 most integrated health system in the U.S., was formed in 1986 and is a Toledo, Ohio-based, not-for-profit healthcare organization with nearly 14,000 employees; 3,000 physicians and more than 306 facilities in Ohio and Michigan. ProMedica serves more than 2.73 million patients annually and includes 11 hospitals; ProMedica Continuum Services with senior, hospice, rehabilitation, and integrative services; ProMedica Physicians, a network of more than 315 primary care and specialty physicians; and Paramount Health Care, the largest HMO in northwest Ohio. For more information, please visit www.promedica.org.
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