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����Թ� has been named a 2016 Gold Level Recipient of the American Heart Association’s Fit-Friendly Worksites recognition program. The award distinguishes employers who champion the health and fitness of their employees by creating a culture of physical activity and health and wellness in the workplace.

����Թ� State also received the association’s Worksite Innovation Award, granted to employers who have creatively implemented programs that promote physical activity in the workplace or community.

“This innovation award was granted for the development of the Faculty/Staff Exercise Program, now known as the Fit for Life Workshop, offered to faculty, staff, students and community members,” says Kim Hauge, ����Թ� State’s manager of university wellness and healthy campus promotions.

“We are extremely honored and excited to be recognized by the American Heart Association’s ‘My Heart. My Life.’ initiative as a Gold Level Fit-Friendly Worksite,” says Willis Walker, interim vice president for human resources. “Receiving this national recognition affirms our commitment to our holistic approach to health and wellness for our university community.” 

The Fit-Friendly Worksites program is a catalyst for positive change. Worksites across the country are recognized for making the health and wellness of employees a priority. The American Heart Association’s “My Heart. My Life.” initiative recognizes employers for:

• Offering employees physical activity support
• Providing and increasing healthy eating options at the worksite
• Promoting a wellness culture
• Implementing at least nine criteria as outlined by the American Heart Association in the areas of physical activity, nutrition and culture

“Physical activity and employee wellness are very important priorities here at ����Թ�, and we encourage all of our employees to explore the variety of physical activity and other wellness programs we offer," Hauge says. "These include yoga, total body toning, walk and talks, lunchtime bike rides, Fit for Life, educational lunch and learns, health coaching and more.”

For more information about ����Թ� State’s workplace wellness program, visit the OneWellU website atwww.kent.edu/hr/benefits/wellness and select current offerings for a complete interactive calendar. To learn more about the Fit-Friendly Worksites recognition programs, or to see a complete list of award recipients, visit the American Heart Associate website .