At Sinai Hospital in Baltimore, which has similar programs, President and Chief Executive Neil Meltzer said he hopes that workers will take their new exercise and eating habits home to their families. The hospital even offers a service where employees can buy prepared, healthful meals to go.
At work, Sinai offers indoor and outdoor walking paths, and the hospital is beginning "Walking at Work Day," during which employees can go for a walk during work hours and wear sneakers all day. They also get discounts at its Lifebridge Health & Fitness Center.
Meltzer said he believes patients expect their health care providers to be healthy, but many employees who work extra-long hours have picked up bad habits like eating junk food and smoking.
"As an employer, we're trying to be a catalyst for positive change," he said. "It's absolutely getting a warm reception."
At Kelly, the gym was filled at lunchtime.
Godwin, a data administrator, hoofed it on the treadmill. She said co-workers have started coming to her for help getting started.
"I try to do extra things the rest of the day, like walking next door instead of calling or e-mailing a co-worker," she said.
Rick Urbanski, a senior account manager, was headed to a machine as a co-worker explained that he was leading in the company's "biggest loser" contest with 30 pounds lost. His teammate had dropped 10. The company rewards those with the highest percentage lost each week.
In the lobby, employees Betty Saraceno, Debbie Biscoe and Mike Wilson were gearing up for a stroll on the grounds.
"When it's bad out, we use the gym," Saraceno said. "It's wonderful the Kellys encourage this at work. I'm not sure I'd do it at home on my own."
meredith.cohn@baltsun.com
On the job
Grim health statistics have prompted the American Heart Association to sponsor a program aimed at spurring area chief executives to start health, exercise and wellness programs in the office:
Obesity costs employers an estimated $12.7 billion in medical expenses and billions more in lost productivity.
Cardiovascular disease and stroke are the No. 1 and No. 3 killers of Americans, respectively.
People are 1.5 to 2.5 times more likely to develop heart disease if they are inactive, and 70 percent of adults get no regular physical activity.
Workers spend many of their waking hours at work - 164 more hours a year than 20 years ago - and many jobs are sedentary.
Programs to boost physical activity can increase productivity, reduce absenteeism and turnover, and lower health care costs.
[Source: American Heart Association]
