Nebraska Methodist College Recognized as Fit-Friendly Worksite

(OMAHA) – Nebraska Methodist College – The Josie Harper Campus has been recognized as a Platinum-Level Fit-Friendly Worksite by the American Heart Association for helping employees eat better and move more.

Nebraska Methodist College was one of six (6) Platinum Award winners in Nebraska. In 2014, a total of 41 Nebraska worksites received Fit-Friendly Awards.

“Physical activity and employee wellness are important priorities at Nebraska Methodist College,” said Dennis Joslin, president and CEO. “We are honored and excited to be recognized by the American Heart Association as a Platinum-Level Fit-Friendly Worksite. We’re committed to providing the best workplace environment possible. This will benefit our employees’ health and produce even more positive results for our worksite overall.”

Platinum-level employers:

• Offer employees physical activity options in the workplace.
• Increase healthy eating options at the worksite.
• Promote a wellness culture in the workplace.
• Implement at least nine criteria outlined by the American Heart Association in the areas of physical activity, nutrition and culture.
• Demonstrate measurable outcomes related to workplace wellness.

Nebraska Methodist College encourages physical activity throughout the workday by hosting Yoga @ Lunch for employees, encouraging use of the NMC walking trail during work hours, and holding walking meetings. 

Employees also participate in Biggest Loser competitions, as well as walking and fitness challenges three to four times per year.

The Fit-Friendly Worksites program is a catalyst for positive change in the American workforce by helping worksites make their employees’ health and well-being a priority.

American employers are losing an estimated $225.8 billion a year because of healthcare expenses and health-related losses in productivity, and those numbers are rising. Many American adults spend most of their waking hours at sedentary jobs. Their lack of regular physical activity raises their risk for a host of medical problems, such as obesity, high blood pressure and diabetes. Employers face $12.7 billion in annual medical expenses due to obesity alone. The American Heart Association is working to change corporate cultures by motivating employees to start walking, which has the lowest dropout rate of any physical activity.

For more information about the Fit-Friendly Worksites program and how it’s helping to improve the health of Americans by focusing on the workplace, call 402-810-6870 or visit http://www.Heart.org/Omaha.