Only Hearts

In an effort to draw attention to the promotion of employer-sponsored health and prevention of chronic diseases, the American Heart Association calls for employers across the country relating to health and initiatives of the activity physical such as walking during the "Week of work well-being" (5 to 11 April 2009). This year, the National Association of Start! Walking Day, which aims to get Americans to evolve for 30 minutes on April 8, will take place during the week.

"National Workplace Wellness Week" serves to encourage private and public employers across the country to invest in the health of their employees by creating workplace programs that promote health and to share best practices with other employers . The week was initiated by the American Heart Association awareness of the importance of wellness programs as Prime! and meet the costs of the nation health outbreak, rising rates of obesity, physical inactivity and the increasing prevalence of chronic diseases. It was introduced last year by representatives of the United States Stephanie Herseth Sandlin (D-SD) and Charles Boustany (R-AL) and implemented by the U.S. House of Representatives.

"The welfare programs in the workplace are essential to improve employee health, increase productivity, reduce absenteeism and lower health care costs," said Craig Thorne, MD, MPH, is voice of the American Heart Association. "National Workplace Wellness Week" is an ideal time for employers to start investing in their people by joining free programs like First! and participating in National Start! Day march. "

More than a third of the population of working age in the United States is at risk of chronic diseases due to physical inactivity and obesity epidemic in the nation. The estimated cost of obesity and overweight related health conditions is 117 billion dollars per year. Only three chronic conditions, asthma, diabetes and hypertension, are associated with 164 million lost workdays per year at a cost to employers of 30 billion dollars.

Departure! initiative works with employers and 135 million Americans in the workplace to create a culture of walking before, during or after work. It provides resources for employers to implement a walking program in the workplace and track employee progress "in the program. Start! 'S Fit - For companies program recognizes companies for meeting criteria for employee fitness. More than 1,000 U.S. companies have been recorded to demonstrate their commitment to promoting exercise and good nutrition in the workplace.

"How do your employees to walk quickly for 30 minutes a day can help reduce risk factors like hypertension," said Dr. Thorne. "In advising on the prevention of cardiovascular disease and development base of health education programs that focus on behavior lifestyle change is a huge investment that will increase the bottom line of any business. "

For more information, visit www.americanheart.org / workplacewellness or www.startmidlandssc.org .

About the American Heart Association

Founded in 1924, we are the nation's oldest and largest health organization nonprofit dedicated to building healthier lives, free of heart disease and stroke. To help prevent, treat and defeat these diseases - America's No. 1 one.