Summit attendees get up and moving with a tai chi demonstration
We spend much of our day at work, so the American Heart Association/American Stroke Association (AHA/ASA) wants that time to be as healthy as possible. On Thursday, the AHA/ASA hosted dozens of Southern Tier businesses focused on keeping people healthy in the workplace. The third annual Regional Executive Wellness Summit at the Holiday Inn Binghamton Downtown brought together local companies and health experts to discuss the best ways to help both employees and the bottom line.
The total cost of heart disease and stroke in the U.S. is estimated to be $444 billion. However, at least 25% of health care costs incurred by working adults are attributed to poor diet and lack of exercise. Sedentary work has increased 83% since 1950. With Americans spending more time at work than ever before, workplace wellness can play a major role in the overall health of adults.
The day featured a heart-healthy lunch, networking opportunities, expert speakers, breakout sessions tailored to companies at different levels of workplace wellness, and an Executive Panel Discussion. Trent Patterson, a contestant on season 5 of The Biggest Loser, delivered the keynote address. Patterson focused on the message that it’s never too late to make healthy changes in your life.
The event was sponsored by AVANGRID/NYSEG and Holiday Inn Binghamton Downtown.
For more information about how the American Heart Association/American Stroke Association can help local businesses improve worksite wellness, please contact Franklin Fry at [email protected] or visit www.heart.org/workplacehealth.