Summa Western Reserve Hospital Garners “Fit-Friendly” Workplace Award

Summa Western Reserve Hospital recently received the American Heart Association’s Gold-level award for being a “fit-friendly” workplace. Fit-Friendly Companies are recognized by the American Heart Association as employers who go above and beyond when it comes to their employees’ health.

Summa Western Reserve Hospital is among 45 Ohio hospitals that have achieved a Gold-level fit-friendly ranking. The honor is awarded twice per year to registered facilities and is given to companies that promote employee physical activity programs, improve upon healthy eating options and promote a wellness culture through events designed with each employee’s health in mind. Gold-level honorees implement at least six physical activities, two nutrition activities and one cultural activity per guidelines set by the American Heart Association.

“We at Summa Western Reserve Hospital are proud to be recognized by the American Heart Association for efforts to create a culture of wellness in the workplace,” says cardiologist, Dr. Michael Bage.

Summa Western Reserve Hospital has initiated annual programming conducive of providing an even healthier working environment. Food service offerings have been re-envisioned to provide even healthier fare to patients, guests and employees. The hospital also utilizes a Just This Program comprised of onsite dietitians who develop a color dot system to makes healthier food choices easier to recognize on the menu. Foods are assigned color dots based on evidence from the American Heart Association, American Dietetic Association and scientific research. Foods in the cafeteria are nutritionally analyzed by the dietitians and given a corresponding dot. Green color dot items are “dietitian recommended” foods for optimal health. Yellow dot items are ones that note "caution" and red dot items are considered "poor".

Employees have also rallied to take part in several community events such as the American Heart Association’s Heart Walk, which hospital employees participate in annually to raise funding and awareness for heart disease. Employees also partake in free, one-hour, onsite Zumba Classes on Mondays and Saturdays and participate in the American Heart Association’s MyStart! Walking Program, which is an online resource that allows employees to track their physical activity, nutrition and other health information. Weekly progress summaries, reminders and informational newsletters are also sent to staff.