French Hospital Medical Center (FHMC) is proud to announce it is the first and only organization in San Luis Obispo County to be recognized by the American Heart Association as a Fit-Friendly workplace. The announcement was made this week by the American Heart Association. Fit-friendly companies are recognized for championing the health of their employees by creating physical activity programs and healthy incentives within the workplace. FHMC is also the only organization in the greater Central Coast region to receive the Community Innovation Award from the American Heart Association. The Community Innovation Award is given to a company that achieves all criteria for Gold recognition, plus demonstrates the development and implementation of innovative and effective programs that promote physical activity, not only in the workplace, but also in the community. FHMC recently opened its Free Outdoor Fitness Zone and Walking Trail around the hospital for all FHMC employees, volunteers and visitors as well as for the entire Central Coast community to use. FHMC employees are currently in the middle of a “Biggest User” challenge, which challenges employees to become the Biggest User of either the fitness zone or the walking trail. FHMC recently revamped its cafeteria menu for both visitors and patients to include dozens of low-fat and heart healthy options.
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“As the cardiac center of choice on the Central Coast, as well as the only hospital capable of performing open heart surgery in San Luis Obispo, heart health awareness, education and heart disease prevention is of the utmost importance to us,” says Alan Iftiniuk, FHMC President and CEO.
FHMC is the Premier Cause Sponsor of the American Heart Association’s (AHA’s) Start! program. Start! encourages employers to offer incentives to walk and exercise during work. Research shows that employers can save $16 for every $1 they spend on health and wellness. “Studies suggest that implementing a worksite physical activity program and promoting a culture of physical activity will help companies increase productivity, reduce absenteeism, lower turnover and reduce hard costs. We are excited that French Hospital Medical Center is leading the way in San Luis Obispo County.” says Julia Nagy, Executive Director of the American Heart Association.
For more information do not hesitate to contact Megan Maloney at 805-542-6498.
