Fit-Friendly Worksites

Deadline to apply for Fit-Friendly Worksites" in Pennsylvania is July 31

Harrisburg, Pa. - The American Heart Association is seeking Pennsylvania workplaces for recognition as a Fit-Friendly Worksite. Employers going above and beyond when it comes to investing in the health and wellness of their employees are encouraged to apply for the recognition by July 31.

The American Heart Association Fit-Friendly program is free and offers companies tools to create a healthier workplace environment. Fit-Friendly companies are recognized for carrying out wellness activities such as a company walking program and routes, gym access, allowing staff to wear athletic shoes on designated "sneaker days" or making sure healthy foods and beverages are in company meetings and vending machines. Companies apply online and are selected twice per year by a national committee.

The next deadline for Fit-Friendly Worksite applications and renewals is July 31. There are currently 114 Fit-Friendly worksites in Pennsylvania.

Heart disease is the No. 1 killer in the U.S., and physical inactivity doubles the risk. Adult Americans spend most of their waking hours at work - many of them sitting at a desk. Studies show that worksite physical activity programs can help improve health, increase productivity, reduce absenteeism, lower turnover and reduce healthcare costs.

Benefits of the Fit-Friendly program include:

• Employee access to program resources and tracking tools.
• Materials to help promote company wellness programs to employees.
• Newsletter templates and a free, quarterly worksite wellness e-newsletter.
• Consultation on CPR/AED programs.
• Recognition on the American Heart Association's Fit-Friendly program website.
• The right to use the program's recognition seal for internal communications and employment recruitment.
• An official recognition letter and plaque from the American Heart Association.

Fit-Friendly Worksite recognition is easy. Visit http://ffc.heart.org to learn more about recognition criteria and to complete the short online application. School or school district applicants should apply at www.heart.org/fitfriendlyschools. For more information, contact Theresa McBride at theresa.mcbride@heart.org.

Fit Friendly is part of the American Heart Association's My Heart. My Life. movement encouraging healthy living.

About the American Heart Association
Founded in 1924, we're the nation's oldest and largest voluntary health organization dedicated to building healthier lives, free of heart disease and stroke. To help prevent, treat and defeat these diseases - America's No. 1 and No. 4 killers - we fund cutting-edge research, conduct lifesaving public and professional educational programs, and advocate to protect public health. For more information about the American Heart Association, visit www.heart.org.