Mayo Clinic Named One of Best Employers for Healthy Lifestyles by the National Business Group

Friday, July 01, 2005

ROCHESTER, Minn. — The National Business Group on Health, a national nonprofit organization, honored Mayo Clinic for its commitment and dedication to combating obesity and promoting a healthy lifestyle for its employees.

Twenty-two employers received the "Best Employers for Healthy Lifestyles" award at the Obesity Leadership Summit sponsored by the Business Group's Institute on the Costs and Health Effects of Obesity. Mayo Clinic received a Gold Award for its health promotion efforts.

Mayo's Health Promotion Committee coordinates the efforts of the various entities within Mayo Clinic — with physical activity, nutrition and healthy weight as top priorities. Recognizing that Mayo Clinic's diverse employee base has different needs and preferences, Mayo Clinic's health promotion programs offers various on-site, telephone-based, Web-based and print programs supported by strong communications. Mayo Clinic provides its health promotion activities through its corporate wellness service, Mayo Clinic Health Management Resources. More than 5 million people receive Mayo Clinic Health Management Resources services and tools through their employer or member organizations.

Mayo Clinic Health Management Resources offers corporations a suite of programs that include the Mayo Clinic e-Health Package of online health tools and information, Mayo Clinic Health Risk Assessment, Mayo Clinic HealthQuest newsletter, Mayo Clinic Guide to Self-Care book, Ask Mayo Clinic nurse line and Mayo Clinic Tobacco Quitline and telephonic lifestyle coaching.

"We are pleased to honor Mayo Clinic for achieving these high standards and successfully implementing a lifestyle improvement program designed to reduce obesity and encourage healthier living for their employees," said Helen Darling, president of the Business Group. "Mayo's leaders are visionaries and know how critical it is that they support their employees' efforts to choose healthier lifestyles."

"Mayo Clinic is honored to receive this award," said Donald Hensrud, M.D., chair of the Mayo Clinic Health Promotion Committee. "This award recognizes Mayo's efforts to provide quality information and tools to help people lead healthier lives."

The Best Employers for Healthy Lifestyles awards program was created by the Institute on the Costs and Health Effects of Obesity to honor those who recognize the urgent need to improve their workers' health, productivity and quality of life. The underlying goal of the program is to serve as a catalyst to encourage all employers to take action.

Winners of the Best Employers for Healthy Lifestyles awards were honored in one of three categories: Platinum, for established programs with measurable outcomes; Gold, for creating cultural and environmental changes that support employees who have made a commitment to long-term behavior changes; and Silver, for those employers who have launched significant programs or services to promote living a healthier lifestyle.

Companies interested in more information about Mayo Clinic Health Management Resources may call 800-430-9699 or visit www.MayoClinicHMR.com.

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To obtain the latest news releases from Mayo Clinic, go to www.mayoclinic.org/news. MayoClinic.com (www.mayoclinic.com) is available as a resource for your health stories.

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To obtain the latest news releases from Mayo Clinic, go to www.mayoclinic.org/news. MayoClinic.com is available as a resource for your health stories.