Published: June 02, 2009 10:06 am      

Clinton bank recognized for employee wellness program

CLINTON — The American Heart Association’s Start! Fit-Friendly Companies Program recently recognized Clinton’s U.S. Bank for promoting physical activity and health in the workplace.

“U.S. Bank employees should be applauded,” said Bruce Christensen, president of U.S. Bank in Clinton. “They have made big strides in an area critical to our overall health. At U.S. Bank, we have seen great changes and healthier employees, which is a win-win for the company and the employees.”

Heart Walk Director Megan Stopulos said this program allows companies to promote healthier lifestyles.

“Time constraints and job responsibilities are employees’ biggest obstacles to exercising. That’s why the Start! Fit-Friendly Companies program encourages employers to allow employees to walk while at work,” Stopulos said. “Walking has the lowest dropout rate of any physical activity.

“Furthermore, 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.”

Start! Fit-Friendly Companies Program participants implement various options to encourage physical activity, nutrition and culture enhancements such as on-site walking routes, healthy food options in cafeterias and vending machines, annual employee health risk assessments and online tracking tools.

Clinton area companies interested in joining the Start! Fit-Friendly Companies Program should contact the Quad-Cities American Heart Association office at (563) 323-4321 or visit Startwalkingnow.org to download an application. Applications are due in January for review by a volunteer expert panel. The panel consists of seven physicians, all of whom are American Heart Association volunteers.