Parma Hospital wins gold award as Fit-Friendly Company
Among 16 companies nationwide honored for community innovation

Parma Community General Hospital was among 16 organizations nationwide to be chosen by the American Heart Association for a Community Fitness Innovation Award recognizing exceptional efforts to promote community wellness. All winners of the Community Fitness Innovation Award have also won Gold Level recognition at Fit-Friendly Companies.

Since 1999, Parma Hospital has been in partnership with Parmatown Mall to promote the MallWalkers, a program in which 100-150 people actively participate. Yearlong programs such as a Walk Across America – featuring highlights of a new state each week from Augusta, Maine to Honolulu, Hawaii –have kept walkers focused on fun while achieving goals with every 10 miles logged. Other programs have included George to George W., with presidential history spotlighted weekly, and Walking through the National Parks. Community Health and Wellness nurses perform blood pressure screenings and health information to supplement the walking logs that participants are encouraged to share with their physicians.

To be recognized as a Fit-Friendly Company, winners must meet numerous criteria in categories including physical activity, nutrition and promotion of a wellness culture.

In its application, Parma Hospital cited availability of indoor walking routes and encouragement of staff to use stairways instead of elevators. More than 100 employees signed up for the latest contest, the American Heart Association’s Start! Walking Program, covering a total of 6,769 miles in just three weeks. Annual fitness and weight loss contests, as well as Weight Watchers at Work meetings offered onsite, have spurred hundreds of employees to more active lifestyles. Free health screenings and discounted fitness and mind and body classes are offered to employees. The Cafeteria regularly presents healthy food choices.

Studies suggest that implementing a worksite physical activity program and promoting a culture of activity helps companies to:

• Increase productivity.
• Reduce absenteeism.
• Lower turnover, and
• Reduce healthcare costs.

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