Greenspring Receives Fit-Friendly Worksites Platinum Award Recognition from the American Heart Association

April 30, 2013

(Springfield, Va.) - Greenspring has been recognized as a Platinum-Level Fit-Friendly Worksite by the American Heart Association (AHA) in recognition of the community's far-reaching efforts to make employee health a priority.  Fit-Friendly Worksites are identified by the AHA as "employers who go above and beyond when it comes to their employees' health."  According to the AHA, the platinum award represents the highest level of recognition for employers that:

  • Offer employees physical activity options in the workplace;
  • Increase healthy eating options at the worksite;
  • Promote a wellness culture in the workplace;
  • Implement at least nine criteria outlined by the American Heart Association in the areas of physical activity, nutrition and culture;
  • Demonstrate measurable outcomes related to workplace wellness.

"I am thrilled that Greenspring has been selected for the platinum award by the AHA," said Sheri Nidiffer, Nurse Practitioner at Greenspring's on-site Employee Health and Wellness Center.  "The community truly deserves this honor as efforts are made each and every day to help employees focus on their own health and wellness."

Nidiffer is an instrumental member of the Greenspring Wellness Committee which was assembled in 2011.  The cross-departmental committee provides employees with healthy tips and information as well as organizes activities and educational sessions throughout the year such as walking challenges, self-defense courses, healthy recipes, and special seminars focusing on both men's and women's health.  The committee routinely updates a wellness website and provides a Weekly Wellness Focus with events and seminars that often correspond with national awareness campaigns such as Walk to Work Day, Men's Health Month, Breast Cancer Awareness Month, and Diabetes Awareness Month.  They have also organized a Healthy Choice Program that offers a five-course series on healthy eating in coordination with the Choose My Plate program offered through the U.S. Department of Agriculture.
"The impact of the Wellness Committee is really remarkable," said Nidiffer.  "We strive to keep employees informed, encouraged, and motivated to live a healthy lifestyle.  Our mission is to increase awareness of the benefits of positive behaviors associated with a healthy lifestyle both at Greenspring and at home."
Greenspring provides access to a number of amenities for employees such as discounted membership to the on-site fitness center, CPR classes offered six times a year from AHA trained staff, a Wellness Fund that offers reimbursements for qualifying personal fitness expenses, and an on-site Employee Health and Wellness Center (EHWC).  The EHWC allows employees to make same-day appointments at the community, which reduces employee absences and time away from work for medical care. These appointments are free for most employees and include services such as sick care, well visits, referrals, lab work, and a Health IQ Check.  The Health IQ Check, free for all employees, includes a 15-minute full cholesterol profile, diabetes screen, blood pressure check, body mass index calculation, vision screening, and weight measurement.
"It is the amazing teamwork at Greenspring that makes this all possible," said Nidiffer.  "A culture of health and wellness has truly been cultivated throughout the community and is supported by employees who want to live a healthier lifestyle."
About Greenspring: Greenspring is situated on a scenic 108-acre campus in Springfield, Virginia.  The community is home to nearly 2000 residents, many of which reside in over 1400 independent living apartment homes.  At Greenspring, over 200 resident-run and resident-driven programs promote an engaged, fulfilling lifestyle that is reflected in resident satisfaction levels that exceed the industry average.  Life at Greenspring offers a true sense of community and is an exciting alternative to the typical retirement community.  Additional information about Greenspring can be found at www.ericksonliving.com.
 

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