Wellness Forum
Tuesday, October 27th
WWJ- TV's Carol Cain emcee's the panel discussion at the American Heart Association's Wellness Forum that fosters heart- healthy work enviroments. The event is hosted by the American Heart Association and Aetna and will be held Tuesday, Oct, 27th from 9 – noon at the Somerset Inn, located at 2601 Big Beaver Road in Troy. Individuals representing Human Resources and wellness divisions are encouraged to attend this free event with RSVP.
The purpose of this Forum is to introduce companies with free wellness tools such as the Start! campaign to implement at their worksites and help alleviate major risk factors for cardiovascular disease, said Jennifer Marentette, vice president of Corporate Development "These risk factors include smoking, overweight, obesity, high blood pressure, high cholesterol and diabetes," she added.
In addition to free wellness tools, this event features various speakers from over 20 local companies, hospitals and government entities including Aetna, Mount Clemens Regional Medical Center and Macomb County Government, who will share their successes as a result of the Start! campaign. Attendees will also hear from a panel hosted by Carol Cain, host of WWJ TV Michigan Matters and columnist for Detroit Free Press, followed by round table discussions with Start! Platinum Fit-Friendly companies. The cost to attend is free, however, individuals are encouraged to RSVP.
"Research shows that companies can save anywhere from $3 to $15 for every $1 spent on health and wellness within 12 to 18 months of implementing a program," said Mercedes Carnethon, Ph.D., an assistant professor in the department of preventive medicine at Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine and lead author of the paper. "Beyond cost savings and increased productivity, visionary employers are realizing the value of an employee's total health. An effective worksite wellness program can attract exceptional employees, enhance morale and reduce organizational conflict.
For more information, call Anne Rzadca at 248.936.5827 or e-mail ann.rzadca@heart.org.
To view the complete list of 2009 Start! Fit-Friendly Companies visit: www.startwalkingnow.org
