The American Heart Association is recognizing employers who go above and beyond when it comes to their employees’ health. We want to reward companies for their progressive leadership and highlight their concern for their staff. By doing so, more companies will follow your lead and employ physical activity practices such as:

• Providing walking routes.
• Promoting walking programs, online newsletters and tracking tools to motivate employees.
• Allowing staff to wear athletic shoes in the workplace on designated "sneaker days."

Use tools like our free Start! Walking Program to create a healthier workplace environment.

Adult Americans spend most of their waking hours at work. Sadly, many of those hours are spent sitting at a desk. This makes them vulnerable to health risks associated with inactive lifestyles. Studies suggest that by starting a worksite physical activity program and promoting a culture of activity, you can:

• Increase productivity
• Reduce absenteeism
• Lower turnover
• Reduce healthcare costs

Besides benefiting companies, a healthier workplace helps employees live healthier, longer lives. What better benefit could you provide your employees than that?

Companies’ immediate benefits include:

• Employee access to program resources, including the free Start! Walking Program and the MyStart! Online tracking tool.
• Materials to help promote company wellness programs to employees.
• Newsletter templates for internal distribution to employees.
• Consultation on CPR/AED (automated external defibrillator) programs.

It’s easy to gain recognition for the work your company is doing to help fight heart disease. Just visit our online Start! Fit-Friendly application/renewal site. Quick and simple!

An American Heart Association Expert Panel reviews your application and awards recognition to your company.

Each year, you can renew your Fit-Friendly status by revisiting our Fit-Friendly site.

The deadline for Fit-Friendly Company applications and renewals is July 31, 2010..