Western Baptist Hospital’s efforts to improve the health of its employees are not going unnoticed. After implementing Start!, a workplace walking program, and other incentives to improve employees’ health, the hospital has been named a 2008 Fit-Friendly Company by the American Heart Association.

Western Baptist is the only gold level Start! Fit-Friendly Company in western Kentucky.

The heart association’s Start! Fit-Friendly Companies Recognition program calls for employers to encourage workplace wellness and create a work environment conducive to physical activity, specifically walking. Since bringing Start! to the area in January, more than 350 hospital staff, as well as employees from more than 70 area businesses, have stepped forward for better health.

Cardiologist Patrick Withrow, M.D., medical director of the Baptist Heart Center, said the recognition has far-reaching benefits.

“Not only are we helping improve the health of our employees and the community,” said Dr. Withrow, “but also we’re improving healthcare in general. Getting people healthy and keeping them well is a simple solution to a growing problem—holding down healthcare costs.”

Studies suggest implementing a worksite wellness program and continuing a culture of physical activity can help companies increase productivity and reduce absenteeism, turnover rates and costs. A recent study showed for every dollar an employer invests in wellness, up to $3 in healthcare expenses can be saved.

In addition to the Start! walking program, Western Baptist offers free screenings, reduced-cost Weight Watchers classes, smoking cessation assistance, healthy meal choices and Baptist Family Fitness discounts to its employees.

For information on bringing Start! to your workplace, contact Western Baptist Hospital at (270) 575-2777 or marra.mcmillan@bhsi.com.