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BWH and MGH last week were the only two organizations in the state to receive “Start! Fit Friendly” awards from the American Hospital Association (AHA). The award recognizes employers who champion the health of their employees and create a culture of physical activity in the workplace.
Maryellen Cotter, NP, director of Occupational Health and coordinator of BWH’s Wellness Works program, accepted the award on behalf of BWH at the AHA’s Start! Walking at Work Day press conference April 25, and thanked BWH President Gary Gottlieb, MD, MBA, Chief Operating Officer Kate Walsh, Vice President of HR Lisa Ponton, JD, and Vice President of Marketing and Planning Vicki Amalfitano for their support and leadership.
“As a hospital, we are dedicated to improving the health and quality of life of all our patients,” Cotter said. “The health of our employees is equally important to us. That’s why we launched the BWH Wellness Works program for employees in February.”
BWH Wellness Works is just beginning to take shape but already offers nutrition information, weight-loss programs and fitness resources. This spring, BWH will launch the AHA’s Start! program to combat the rise of physical inactivity by encouraging Americans to walk at work.
“Each year, 1.2 million Americans suffer a heart attack,” said George Philippides, MD, president of the AHA in Boston. “Cardiovascular disease and stroke continue to be our nation’s number one and three killers. Increasing physical activity can help improve these statistics, ”
Stay tuned to BWH Bulletin for more information on how to participate in BWH Wellness Works programs and to sign up for Start!