The Rhode Island Department of Health (HEALTH) announced that it received recognition as a Gold Well Workplace from the Wellness Councils of America (WELCOA) and was ranked as one of America’s Healthiest Companies. HEALTH offered a self-administered health risk appraisal to help staff identify their risks; on-site aerobics, body sculpting, and yoga classes; healthy cooking demonstrations and a newsletter posted on its Intranet system. In addition, HEALTH hosted a seasonal Farmer’s Market, smoking cessation programs and resources, a flu clinic, stress management seminars, and health screenings. “The evidence is clear that healthier employees are more productive employees,” said Director of Health David R. Gifford, MD, MPH. “We hope to set an example for Rhode Island workplaces by promoting no-cost and affordable opportunities for employees to quit smoking, to eat healthy foods or to get daily exercise.” WELCOA is a national organization that recognizes workplaces for creative programs and policies that address the wellness needs of their employees around five areas: physical activity, healthy eating/weight management, stress management, tobacco use, and medical self-care. For information on creating healthy and productive work environments, visit WELCOA’s website at www.welcoa.org.
