Phoebe Putney Memorial Hospital has been named as a 2016 Platinum-Level Fit-Friendly workplace by the American Heart Association for its continuous efforts in helping employees eat healthier and supporting physical activity.
 
“We are extremely honored to receive this recognition from the American Heart Association.  Employee wellness is an important priority at Phoebe and this award further validates our commitment to fostering a workplace that encourages and supports healthy living,” said Will Peterson, assistant vice president of Human Resources.
 
To receive recognition, platinum-level employers must:

· 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 work place wellness.
 
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.