ACFN AND BLUE CROSS/BLUE SHIELD ASSOCIATION JOIN FORCES ON CAPITOL HILL

Washington, DC – The American Council for Fitness and Nutrition (ACFN) this week joined forces with Blue Cross Blue Shield Association (BCBSA) on Capitol Hill to celebrate National Employee Health and Fitness Week.

“Employee health and wellness are strategic components in today’s successful business models,” said ACFN Chair, Susan Finn, Ph.D., R.D., L.D., F.A.D.A. “Smart employers know that an investment in employee health is an investment in the company’s bottom line.”

To highlight the importance of employee health, BCBSA held its third annual WalkingWorks™ Challenge on Capitol Hill to kick-off a friendly competition between the House and Senate to see which side of Capitol Hill really walks the walk. The WalkingWorks™ program encourages everyone to build a daily dose of walking into their routine to improve health and prevent costly health problems down the road. ACFN was on hand to provide information about correct portion sizes, the new Dietary Guidelines and setting personal nutrition goals.

Companies throughout the country are also celebrating National Employee Health and Fitness Week by launching fitness challenges or bringing in nutritionists to talk about healthy eating habits. Many corporations also provide on-site fitness centers, weight loss programs and other wellness incentives. The result is employees who are healthier and more productive, contributing directly to the success of the company. According to recent statistics, obesity related health problems cost employers about $7,000 per employee and many of these costs are due to preventable illnesses.

CONTACT
Laura Sheehan
202.715.1526
laura@acfn.org

Christine Tucci
202.715.1517
christine@acfn.org

The American Council for Fitness and Nutrition (ACFN) is a non-profit organization established to promote a healthy balance between fitness and nutrition, and to deliver information about balance and lifestyle choices based on the best available science. ACFN represents a cross-section of food, beverage and consumer products companies, not-for-profit organizations and trade associations dedicated to improving the health of all Americans.