Hospital Partners with American Heart Association on Wellness Program

Cardiologist Patrick Withrow, M.D., Baptist Heart Center medical director, makes walking part of his daily health regimen.

Many jobs involve little physical activity, leading to weight gain and other health issues for workers. For employers, that may translate into increased absenteeism, lost productivity and increased healthcare costs.

That’s why Western Baptist partnered with the American Heart Association to bring START!, a workplace walking program, to its employees.

Now, as the region’s exclusive sponsor for START!, the hospital shares the program with interested companies so they can help their own employees become fit and take an active role in their personal health. Free START! kits, including ways to motivate employees and track their progress, are available at Western Baptist.

A group of Western Baptist employees walks on their lunch break. The START ! walking program, developed by the American Heart Association and implemented by Western Baptist Hospital, encourages workplace wellness.

“Walking has the lowest dropout rate of any physical activity,” said cardiologist Patrick Withrow, M.D., medical director of the Baptist Heart Center. “And it’s the simplest positive change individuals can make to effectively improve heart health.”

Research has shown walking and moderate physical activity for at least 30 minutes on most days of the week can help:

• Reduce the risk of coronary heart disease
• Improve blood pressure, blood sugar and blood lipid levels
• Maintain body weight
• Enhance mental well-being
• Reduce the risk of osteoporosis
• Reduce the risk of breast and colon cancer
• Reduce the risk of non-insulindependent (type 2) diabetes

Companies interested in offering START! to their employees may phone Western Baptist at (270) 575-2777.

Western Baptist Hospital, the first company in the region to bring START ! to its employees, now offers the American Heart Association’s employee wellness program to area employers. For a free kit, phone (270) 575-2777.