Hospitals Partner to Fight Obesity at Work

(COLUMBUS, OH) – Because rising obesity rates are one of Ohio’s most pressing health issues, in June 2008 the Ohio Hospital Association’s Foundation for Healthy Communities awarded five Ohio hospitals a total of $100,000 in Hospitals for Healthier Workforces grants to team up with local schools, fire departments, manufacturers and nursing homes to fight obesity in the workplace. 

In the past year and a half, the five hospital grantees and their community partners changed the lives of 600 Ohioans. They are:

• Blanchard Valley Hospital, Findlay, and Whirlpool Corporation
  Weigh to Wellness – weight loss program for Whirlpool employees with a BMI over 30
• Community Mercy Health Partners, Springfield, and Benjamin Steel Company
  Wellness Works! – insurance premium discount incentive to Benjamin Steel participants
• Memorial Hospital of Union County, Marysville, and seven local fire departments
  Lighten the Load – lifestyle improvement program for 230 firefighters
• Salem Community Hospital, Salem, and eight local school districts
  Get Schooled and Dump Your Plump – nutrition and exercise program for 200 school employees
• Twin City Hospital, Dennison,  Hennis Care Centre and Zimmer Orthopaedic Surgical Products
  Fit for Life – weight loss and nutrition program for employees

The grants allowed hospitals to partner with other employers in the community to offer or enhance existing employee wellness programs. Each of the grantees’ targeted professions deals with its own unique health issues. Manufacturing workers have a high rate of obesity – 70 percent – fire/EMS workers are at increased risk of heart attack and stroke, and educators are in an ideal position to influence the younger generation by leading by example.

Positive clinical outcomes of the grants include:

• weight loss and lowered BMIs
• reduced blood pressure, hypertension and cholesterol levels
• an increase in energy levels and endurance
• decreased risk of type II diabetes and coronary heart disease
• lifestyle changes such as eating more vegetables and eating less fast food
• increased exercise

A complete final report is available on the Foundation for Healthy Communities Web site.

The Foundation for Healthy Communities was established in 1994 and its mission is to advance good health for all Ohioans. It initiates and champions health improvement and education by engaging partners, promoting proven strategies and advocating for wellness. Learn more about the Foundation for Healthy Communities at www.HealthyCommunitiesOhio.org.

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