We challenge businesses to promote workplace wellness
(Grand Rapids, Mich. - May 11, 2011)
In honor of the 22nd annual National Employee Health and Fitness Day (NEHFD) on May 18, 2011, Priority Health, along with the Governor’s Council on Physical Fitness, is challenging businesses across Michigan to promote and participate in employee wellness activities.
The goal of NEHFD is to promote the benefits of a healthy lifestyle to employers and their employees through worksite health promotion activities. Priority Health is supporting that goal by asking businesses to not only participate in NEHFD, but to capture their activities and post their pictures or videos to the Priority Health Facebook page (facebook.com/PriorityHealth). The businesses that post the video or picture that best showcases its employees physically engaged will win either a free wellness class or a free fitness class with Priority Health sponsored trainer Jeff Watters for all of its employees who participate in the wellness activities. The winning businesses will be chosen by a panel of Priority Health wellness coaches.
“It’s important for companies to create opportunities for employees to improve their health while on the job. Creating a culture of wellness provides many benefits, including health care cost savings and increased productivity,” said Kimberly K. Horn, president and CEO of Priority Health. “In fact, wellness is a key prevention strategy designed to impact the health and cost equation for many businesses.”
Based on Priority Health’s research, a business can see an increase of nearly 23 percent in health care costs trends for employees who are physically inactive versus a 1 percent health care cost trend for those who are active. With proven costs savings and the benefit of healthier employees, workplace wellness activities are crucial and can be a simple, healthy and fun way to interact with employees. Workplace activities could include: a lunch hour walk or creating an indoor walking course, passing out fruit to each employee or fitness challenges throughout the day to win prizes.
“Employers can show their commitment to a healthier workplace and become statewide leaders by promoting wellness initiatives that lead to healthier lives,” said Marilyn Lieber, president and CEO, Michigan Fitness Foundation/Governor’s Council on Physical Fitness, Health and Sports.
To participate in the challenge, businesses should first register their NEHFD activities by filling out the downloadable form on the NEHFD website and emailing Katie Heck or faxing to 517 347-8145.
Follow the challenge and get advice on NEFHD activities by connecting with Priority Health on Facebook or on Twitter, @Priorityhealth.
About Priority Health:
Priority Health is an award-winning health plan nationally recognized for creating innovative solutions that impact health care costs while maximizing customer experience. It offers a broad portfolio of products for employer groups and individuals including Medicare and Medicaid beneficiaries. As a nonprofit company, Priority Health serves more than 600,000 people and continues to be rated among the best health plans in the nation by the National Committee for Quality Assurance.
