Cancro Spearheads Health Initiative for Springfield Employees

Springfield Township Administrator Anthony Cancro thinks healthy people do better work.

He’s putting that idea in practice with Springfield’s municipal employees. Through a partnership with Overlook Hospital, Cancro is working to get information about healthy lifestyles to municipal employees.

Since January, experts from Overlook have given monthly presentations on health and nutrition to Springfield employees. The first presentation was from two cardiology nurses, who shared information on diet and exercise that can contribute to heart health. The nurses told employees about how to spot signs of impending heart attacks and performed blood pressure screenings.

The following month, other experts talked about stress in the workplace. Other topics have included nutrition and weight management. 

Overlook is providing the service free of charge to the Township. The informal sessions are open to employees and their spouses. Cancro said he was happy at the interest the presentations have generated, and is confident the effect will be positive.

“I believe a healthy work force is a productive work force,” Cancro said.

Cancro lives that belief personally. A vegetarian since the age of 17, Cancro is an avid Yoga practitioner and teacher. He said that people need to learn how to live healthier.

 “When people have knowledge, they can make informed decisions,” he said. “If they don’t, they can’t.