The documentary features expert interviews revealing startling facts and figures, as well as real-life testimonies from individuals and families challenged by this epidemic. Each of the documentaries’ four-films poignantly confronts the need for everyone, everywhere to take action.

The first film in the series titled Consequences, reviews the scope of the obesity epidemic and adverse health effects being overweight or obese causes.  Choices, the second film in the series reflects on the science behind weight loss, maintaining weight, and preventing weight gain.  The third film, Children in Crisis emphasizes the growing concern over childhood obesity and the contributing factors of excess calorie consumption and lack of physical activity among today’s youth.  Noted in the film, the climbing rate and factors of childhood obesity lead some experts to believe today’s kids will have a shorter life expectancy than their parents.  The fourth and final film, Challenges takes an in-depth look at what’s causing the obesity epidemic – from agriculture and economy, to physical inactivity, as well as food culture and influences from food industry.

Let’s take action together! Corporate Fitness Works aims to help corporations and communities address the health concerns and consequences that stem from being overweight and obese.  We provide an array of programming and fitness management services that foster individual behavior changes in life-long exercise and healthy dietary habits.  Our programs have helped thousands of individuals across the country achieve and maintain a healthy weight by establishing regular fitness habits, providing education on how to create optimal caloric balance, and make healthy eating choices.  To learn more about how we can partner to help your organization combat physical inactivity and obesity, contact us at info@corporatefitnessworks.com.

The Weight of the Nation documentary series aired on the HBO network May 14-15.  All four films can be viewed online at http://theweightofthenation.hbo.com/. Additional information about the project, along with educational resources and ways to take action are available at the website link above.

In partnership with ACTIVE Life, the NAHF invites employers everywhere to participate in GEHFM; providing toolkits and resources challenging employees to create Healthy Moments, form Healthy Groups, and develop a Culminating Project.  Detailed information along with free resources and tracking tools can be found on the GEHFM website, http://www.healthandfitnessmonth.com.      

There are several ways employers and employees can display their support of worksite health and fitness.  Employer’s can promote participation in existing worksite programming such as on-site fitness centers and health clinics, engage employee’s in healthier behaviors by hosting a take the stairs week, offer an all employee health walk, and institute healthy menu options with food providers and vendors catering meetings and break area snacks.  Employee’s can advocate all-site participation in employer sponsored events, gathering co-workers to partake in activities, as well as volunteer as committee members charged with health and activity promotion, or simply displaying support through the power of individual participation.

Corporate Fitness Works proudly supports the initiatives of GEHFM, working with clients across the nation to deploy initiatives that educate and motivate employees and community residents to engage in healthy, active lifestyles this month and all year through.  Click here to learn more about our services or email us at info@corporatefitnessworks.com.   

In this insightful Commentary: Exercise Pays Dividends, author Helen Durkin Executive VP of Public Policy for IHRSA emphasizes how exercise – impacting both physical and mental health issues – is a highly effective approach for addressing national concerns in rising health care costs and economic prosperity.  The article brings specific awareness to how mental health disparities are part of the most common chronic conditions that contribute to higher health care costs, and are a leading reason for employee disability and sick-leave.  Considering that exercise reduces health risks associated with some of our most prevalent and costly physical AND mental health conditions, community and worksite initiatives that focus on improving population physical activity can produce significant economic gains.

BUSINESS & COST SAVING ADVANTAGES:

According to the survey, organizations with highly effective programs show compelling differences in business outcomes, where 66% reported they perform better than their top competitors and yielded market premiums 18 percentage points higher than organizations with less effective programs.  Furthermore, high-effective companies reported a $1,000 difference in annual health care cost savings, fewer days lost to unplanned absence and disability, lower voluntary turnover, and notable reductions in at least some health risks such as reduced tobacco use and improved physical activity.   

CHARACTERISTICS OF HIGH EFFECTIVENESS:

Companies seeking to gain these business and cost saving advantages can model their H&P strategies to share characteristics the Staying@Work findings identify with highly effective companies.  Some of the stand out characteristics include:

• Commitment to workplace health and impact on business tying organizational goals and values;
• Position managers/senior leaders as healthy role models making them part of program management;
• Focus on mental and physical health with convenient on-site access to preventative care and education;
• Comprehensive strategy to address all sources of absence using integrated data and reporting;
• Strong partnerships with vendors setting accountability measures and promoting collaboration;
• Supportive environment with compelling incentives for participation;
• Personalized and interactive online employee communication with collection of employee feedback.

LEADING TRENDS FOR ENHANCED STRATEGIES:

Identified throughout the survey results are leading trends that have and will continue to shape the model of effective workplace H&P strategies.  One such area involves workforce stress, with employers trending particular action for improved work/life balance (63% U.S.), lack in supervisor support (61%), and inadequate staffing (58%).  Despite supportive action, over half of U.S. respondents report their efforts made no significant impact.  Considering the implications prolonged stress has on both physical and psychological health, this is noted an area of emphasis in order for H&P programming to successfully reduce costs for employee illness, absence, and presenteeism.

Another driving theme the survey shows in H&P strategies is accountability, where in the last two years there has been a shift towards employee responsibility for improving and maintaining health.  According to the survey, 80% of employers feel employees should be held accountable, but in reality only 10% are actually doing it.  There is also a rising trend in offering incentives and/or penalties with requirements becoming more stringent.  The survey found 54% of U.S. respondents currently provide financial incentives for participation, with the use of penalties doubling from 2009 to 2011 and expecting to double again this year.  Going beyond awarding employees for enrolling in a program, more employers are requiring completion of multiple activities before earning reward or avoiding penalty. 

Survey results clearly display that company’s providing financial incentives for completion of certain activities, like health risk appraisals and biometric screenings do achieve higher participation (as much as 27% higher than programs without).  Interestingly, the survey shows financial incentives provide no impact on disease management participation finding little responsiveness (14% without incentive, 16% with) from those with chronic conditions.              

In addition to integrating solutions that improve workplace stress, activate accountability and effectively use incentives the survey notes that H&P program effectiveness can be enhanced by improved leadership involvement.  Citing only 26% of U.S. company managers and/or senior leaders serve as health champions, the survey results show a decline of manager participation in employee health communications to 20% in both U.S. and Canada.  Also noted was limited senior leadership support of flex time to participate in health management activities.  Researching the effects of leadership support, Corporate Fitness Works has found a significant correlation between elevated membership and utilization rates at on-site fitness centers where senior leaders are involved and advocate program participation with support of flex time.

INTEGRATING CHARACTERISTICS & TRENDS TO YOUR PROGRAM:

Corporate Fitness Works provides an integrated approach to on-site fitness consulting and program management.  Through a fully collaborate style, we partner with companies to implement solutions that align with these characteristics and trends for highly effective H&P strategies.  To learn more about our services, click here or contact us at info@corporatefitnessworks.com.            

ABOUT THE SURVEY:

The 2011/2012 Staying@Work report is a summary of results from the Towers Watson’s second biennial North American survey of companies’ health and productivity programs.  In the U.S. the survey is jointly sponsored by the National Business Group on Health and Tower Watson.   Survey data was collected from 335 HR and/or heath benefit managers in companies with at least 1,000 employees.  There were a total of 248 survey’s collected from U.S. and 87 from Canadian companies, providing an overall representation of 7.8 million workers in all major industries.  Download the entire survey summary from the following link: http://www.towerswatson.com/united-states/research/6031

According to recent survey results, this is in line with what employee’s are looking for as well.  Based on findings published by the Principal Financial Well-Being Index, employees want more of a hands-on and inter-personal experience out of their wellness benefits.  Among the four most desired benefits, onsite fitness centers was listed at 19%, preceded by fitness center discounts (25%), onsite preventative screenings (22%), and access to wellness experts (21%).    

In contrast, the survey found that the most commonly provided benefits are more media based; with 19% of employer’s giving access to online wellness information, 18% offering educational tools or resources, 17% providing fitness center discounts, and 17% distributing printed wellness information.

Interestingly, what employer’s and employee’s hope to gain from wellness benefits is similar; namely improved physical health and savings on healthcare costs.  The survey results identified perceived benefits that encourage employees to participate in their company wellness programs.  An overwhelming 45% chose better overall physical health as the primary benefit that would encourage their participation.  This was followed by 30% encouraged by receiving meaningful incentives from their employer.  Close behind this were a combination of reduced personal healthcare costs, increased chance of living longer, healthier life and reduced stress – all at 29%.     

Research on the economic impact of worksite wellness programs that target lifestyle and behavior change indicates they are worthwhile investment.  Research reviews of several worksite wellness studies sited by the American Institute for Preventive Medicine identified that for every $1 invested, company’s experienced an average return of $3.48 due to reduced medical claim costs and a return of $5.82 in reduced absenteeism.

The return benefits are also reflected from the employee’s perspective.  Looking back at the survey results, 52% agreed that by participating in at least one wellness program per year they have more energy and feel more productive at work.  41% believe that their wellness benefits encourage them to work harder and perform better, and 35% of employee’s that noted participating in at least one wellness program a year missed fewer days of work due to illness.     

Corporate Fitness Works specializes in onsite fitness facility consulting, operations and program management.  We work closely with our clients to create the type of healthy workplace environments that inspire employee participation in physical activity and overall healthy lifestyle.  Click here to learn more about our services. 

ABOUT THE SURVEY:

The Principal Financial Well-Being Index survey was conducted online with Harris Interactive providing third party administration.  Survey responses were captured from 1,121 employees and 533 retirees within the United States working at small to mid-sized businesses (ranging 10-1,000 employees).  The results as presented within this article are from the 2011 fourth quarter survey report available to view at http://www.principal.com/wellbeing/2011/wbwellness-4q2011-execsumm.htm.

The WBENC 10-year award was presented to Corporate Fitness Works’ and accepted by Co-Founder, Brenda Loube at an awards luncheon during the Florida Regional Women’s Business Development Council (WBDC) Conference.  Brenda was a featured speaker at the 4^th Annual WBDC conference which focused on Life-Work-Balance and took place December 1-2 in Deerfield Beach, Florida.  Pictured below, Brenda accepted the award in the presence of WBENC CEO Pamela Prince-Eason (right) and Florida WBDC President/CEO Nancy Allen (left).   

(Right to left: Pamela Prince-Eason WBENC CEO, Brenda Loube Corporate Fitness Works Founder, Nancy Allen Florida WBDC President & CEO)

 ABOUT WBDC / WBENC:

Founded in 1997, WBENC is the largest third-party certifier of businesses owned, controlled, and operated by women in the United States.  A national non-profit organization, WBENC is the nation’s leading advocate of women-owned businesses as suppliers to America’s corporations.  Per their mission, WBENC is dedicated to advancing the success of Corporate Members, certified women’s business enterprises, and government entities in partnership with their 14 Regional Partner Organizations.  More information about WBENC may be viewed at http://www.wbenc.org/About-WBENC/.

The Florida Regional Women’s Business Development Center (WBDC) is one of the 14 WBENC partner organizations providing the national standard of certification to women owned business throughout Florida territories, with exception to the pan-handle, Puerto Rick and the U.S. Virgin Islands.  WBDC extends business development programs, training and networking to regional members in support of the mission to assist in the establishment and growth of women businesses.  For more about WBDC, go to http://www.womensbusiness.info/about-us.aspx.

Along with fellow finalists, Catalina’s worksite wellness and fitness program was objectively assessed in six different categories through the Healthiest Employers Award Program:

1. Culture and Leadership Commitment
2. Foundational Components
3. Strategic Planning
4. Communications and Marketing
5. Programming and Interventions
6. Reporting and Analysis

With an outstanding assessment score of 78.7, Catalina was celebrated as the Healthiest Employer Category Winner for company’s sized between 500 to 1,499 employees.  View the article published by Tampa Bay Business Journal announcing Catalina’s achievement at http://www.bizjournals.com/tampabay/news/2011/09/15/tampa-bays-healthiest-employers-award.html.

ABOUT CATALINA MARKETING:

Catalina is the global leader in shopper-driven marketing solutions, providing brand manufacturers, retailers, and healthcare providers with shopper-driven marketing solutions to meet growth objectives.  View Catalina’s website at http://www.catalinamarketing.com.     

AEGON Transamerica employee, Holly Graziadio, nominated Amanda and collected a host of participant testimonials highlighting specific examples of how she embodies the award attributes.  Through personal stories and convictions, members reflect on Amanda’s creative programming, her wealth of fitness knowledge, and devotion to their safety, that has helped them meet and many times exceed their fitness goals.  Further noting her motivating energy and positive attitude, members celebrate Amanda for these inspiring qualities, which as Ms. Graziadio states “permeate through all of her interactions and let members know how much she cares about them.” 

Continuing a tradition of excellence for both, Corporate Fitness Works and AEGON, Amanda is the third team member to receive this high honor while at the AEGON fitness facility.  This is a unique achievement in our award history, as AEGON is the only facility honoring multiple award winners.  In nine years, there have been 36 Corporate Fitness Works team members nominated for the Rachel House Hudson Award from fitness and wellness facilities all across the nation.  

In response, Amanda recognizes how the members and AEGON’s atmosphere inspire her creativity and lend to her dedication to help others reach their goals and live healthier, more active lifestyles.  She states, “I’m humbled by this tremendous honor. As the coordinator of the AEGON Fitness Center, I have the privilege of working with exceptionally motivated individuals who welcome physically active lifestyles.  The AEGON companies not only support employee wellness, but also provide unlimited opportunities to achieve optimal health & fitness.  It is largely thanks to this atmosphere that I am able to do my job effectively and with such enthusiasm.”

Ranked by the St. Petersburg Times in 2010 as a Top 5 large company in the Tampa Bay area, the AEGON companies’ work culture exudes a strong sense of community in an environment that supports work-life balance rooted by a genuine commitment to employee health and well-being.   As a tangible display of this commitment, AEGON aligns with Corporate Fitness Works to professionally manage the fitness center and engage employees through a range of programs and services.  Extending their efforts to nominate Amanda, as well as team members in the past, it is evident that AEGON Transamerica employees take great pride in their on-site fitness program and value the opportunity to enhance their fitness and well-being through Corporate Fitness Works professional services.

Rachel House Hudson was a valued Corporate Fitness Works team member who tragically lost her life in a car accident in 2002.  Nominees display the characteristics that endeared Rachel to the fitness center members and team members who knew her.  Corporate Fitness Works’ recognition of team members who demonstrate these unique abilities will forever memorialize Rachel’s contributions to Corporate Fitness Works and our clients.  A donation is made in the winner’s name to a church camp that Rachel was involved with in Missouri.  Seventeen kids have received scholarships and have participated in summer enrichment camp programs as a result of this award.  

ABOUT CORPORATE FITNESS WORKS:

Corporate Fitness Works is a certified woman-owned health and fitness management and consulting company, that provides customized services for corporations that include fitness facility planning, design, and implementation; fitness center management and evaluation; and fitness and wellness consulting.  Our conviction is to set the standard for creating well cultures that encourage individual and corporate well-being.  To learn more about Corporate Fitness Works services, click here.

This year’s conference is focused on Life-Work-Balance, providing women in the professional world with a combination of networking opportunities, resources and insight to succeed in all three.  Through her interactive presentation and personal perspectives as a fellow woman-business owner, Brenda inspires women to connect the value of health with being a successful business leader empowering attendees with awareness and physical activity solutions to balance professional work with healthy, active lifestyle.

At the conference Award Luncheon, Brenda will also accept honors on behalf of Corporate Fitness Works being recognized for ten year certification status as a woman-owned company under the Women’s Business Enterprise National Council.  Established in 1988, Corporate Fitness Works has operated as a woman-owned business for over 23 years, providing a wide range of fitness management and consulting services to companies, communities and government organizations across the nation.  Read more About Us to discover how women-business ownership has shaped who we are throughout our company history. 

ABOUT WBDC / WBENC:

The Florida Regional Women’s Business Development Center is one of 14 regional partners of the WBENC (Women’s Business Enterprise National Certification) dedicated to providing the national standard of certification to woman-owned businesses throughout the country.  The WBDC serves territories of Florida, with exception of the pan-handle, Puerto Rock and the U.S. Virgin Islands, providing business development programs, training, and networking the underlying mission to assist in the establishment and growth of women in business. For more about the WBDC, go to http://www.womensbusiness.info/about-us.aspx.

The WBENC is the largest third-party certifier of businesses owned, controlled, and operated by women in the United States and is the nation’s leading advocate of women-owned businesses as suppliers to America’s corporations.  More information about the WBENC, go to http://www.wbenc.org/About-WBENC/.