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Award encourages workplaces to ‘Lighten Up’
More than 60 percent of Lancaster County
adults are either obese or overweight, according to the Lighten Up Lancaster
Coalition. So the group is encouraging folks to work on it – literally.
The coalition recently unveiled its Lighten Up Lancaster
Workplace Award, designed to recognize employers who promote wellness in the
workplace.
The mission of the 250-member coalition, which includes
local schools, physician practices, community members and Lancaster General
Health (LGH), is to increase the amount of county residents maintaining a
healthy weight.
Criteria for the award include implementation of at least
two weight-management interventions, such as a walking club; a workplace
wellness committee or representative, a letter of support from senior
management; and achievement of at least 10 of the 20 items the coalition
recommends to create a healthy environment.
The coalition has posted a free toolkit on its Web site to
help businesses work toward the award.
All workplaces that meet the criteria will be recognized for
their efforts and receive a door decal, said Catherine Newkirk, a wellness
educator with LGH. One business that develops particularly innovative
ways to encourage wellness will receive a plaque or trophy, she said.
The deadline to apply is Nov. 13, and applications are
available on the coalition’s Web site.
“It’s a great opportunity for businesses to receive
recognition of the good things they’re doing for their employees and to help
them think about what else they could be doing,” Newkirk said.
