Economic Group Launches Obesity Programs
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As a subscriber you can listen to articles at work, in the car, or while you work out. Subscribe NowOne Southern Indiana has launched two programs in hopes of creating a healthier work force. The initiatives include a team weight loss contest and the introduction of the Growing Healthy Lives Award.
January 7, 2015
News Release
New Albany, Ind. — One Southern Indiana announced today two new Initiatives to help employers encourage healthier lifestyles among their employees.
The first initiative is “Smaller Waists for a Better Workplace,” a weight loss competition where teams of five will compete for a variety of prizes. The teams must include at least two women and will be weighed as a team by confidential medical professionals at the kickoff event on January 21st at the Christian Academy of Indiana, 1000 Academy Drive, New Albany, Ind. and again at the wrap-up even on March 4th. The contest is open to the public and the team with the highest percentage of weight loss as a whole will be the winner. Other achievements, such as team spirit and individual weight loss will be rewarded as well. The cost to participate is $10 per person. Teams and individuals wishing to be placed on a team can find more information at www.1si.org.
The second initiative is the introduction of a Growing Healthy Lives Award which is the newest award being presented at the 1si Annual Business Awards on Tuesday, March 10th at Huber's Orchard, Winery and Vineyards. Sponsored by the Wellness Coalition of Southern Indiana, this award will recognize 1si members that have gone above and beyond normal employer efforts in the areas of employee health and wellness. Nominations for the award have been accepted and independent judges will be choosing the business that has best built an environment that has positively shown to improve employee health outcomes, increase productivity and lower healthcare costs. Applications are being accepted at www.1si.org.
“In 2014, the Robert Wood Foundation Program County Health Rankings placed both Clark and Floyd Counties in the lower 50% in the state. That statistic is even more troubling considering that Indiana now has the ninth highest adult obesity rate in the nation, and Kentucky has the fifth,” stated Wendy Dant Chesser, President and CEO of 1si. “This is a primary concern for all employers, even beyond the obvious effect on direct health plan costs. Employee health issues can also have a significant impact in other areas, such as absenteeism and productivity. It is imperative that 1si do its part to encourage the citizens of Southern Indiana and Louisville to live the healthiest lifestyle they can.”
About One Southern Indiana:
One Southern Indiana (1si) was formed in July of 2006 as the Chamber of Commerce and Economic Development organization serving Clark and Floyd Counties. 1si’s mission is to provide the connections, resources and services that help businesses innovate and thrive in the southern Indiana/Louisville metro area.
Since its inception, the organization has evolved to include a three-prong approach to serve its members and investors. Business Resources, as the chamber side of the organization, encompasses membership, signature events and programs which support and encourage business growth; Economic Development works to grow the regional economy through the attraction of new commerce and assists with retention and expansion of existing businesses; Advocacy supports businesses at the government level by engaging in initiatives to preserve, protect and promote a business friendly environment free of obstacles to growth and development of commerce. http://www.1si.org
Source: One Southern Indiana