1. FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
MEDIA CONTACT:
Melissa Thrasher
Communications Director
248-936-5825 or 734-377-2902
Melissa.thrasher@heart.org
Janeal Garry
Communications Intern
248-936-5808
t-janeal.garry@gmail.com
American Heart Association to Promote Heart-Health at Work
During Wellness Forum– March 25
All wellness professionals are encouraged to attend this event
DETROIT – March 6, 2014 – The American Heart Association recommends that
companies implement wellness programs that promote the importance of cardiovascular
health in the workplace. On March 27th, the Association hosts its annual Workplace
Wellness Forum at the Ford Community & Performing Arts Center, located at 15801
Michigan Ave. in Dearborn. The forum begins at 9 a.m. until 1:30 p.m. Free lunch is
included with registration.
“We want every attendee to walk away from the Workplace Wellness Forum with ideas
about how they can be healthier on the job and how they can inspire and create a
healthier workplace overall”, said Stephanie Worth, senior director of Community Health
of the American Hear Association. “Attendees will also have an opportunity to hear from
our senior vice-president of human resources for the Midwest Affiliate, Latonya Daniels,
she has valuable information to share with companies on creating model work
environments for employees.”
The event introduces practical methods on how companies can create a culture of support
and accountability while helping employees be their best and reduce major risk factors
for the nation’s No. 1 killer, heart disease. As the cost of healthcare increases, companies
should take the initiative in creating a wellness program that is both engaging and
affordable. Experts on balancing work and life’s responsibilities will cover topics such
as:
 Creating a Culture for Work-Life Balance
 How to Effectively Create and Manage an Outcome-Based Wellness Program
 Creating Access to Care for a Changing Workforce
 Workplace Wellness 101 Getting Started
 Better Employee Benefits, Cutting Healthcare Costs: Go Self-Insured!

2.  What’s the Hook? – Engagement & Retention
Emceeing this year’s forum is Sean Lee, health reporter for WWJ Newsradio 950. Dr.
Joel Kahn, interpreventional cardiologist and health commentator for FOX2 News will
serve as keynote speaker.
The American Heart Association reports that creating a wellness environment assists
companies in decreasing healthcare costs by improving employee cardiovascular health.
Research indicates that for every $1 invested in workplace wellness, companies receive
up to $3 in return. Strengthening workplace wellness helps the Association move closer
towards reaching its 2020 goal to reduce cardiovascular disease by 20 percent by the year
2020.
This event is sponsored by National Diagnostic Services. All attendees must register
online at http://2014wellnessforum.eventbrite.com by March 20th. For more information
email Stefanie.Worth@heart.org or call at 248.936.5832.
This event is a chance for companies to be advocates for heart health by ensuring they are
creating healthy work settings. “Taking care of your heart starts with a few simple steps,
and since Americans spend so many hours in the office, it’s a great place to put our
messages into action”, said Worth.
About the American Heart Association
The American Heart Association is the nation’s oldest and largest voluntary health
organization dedicated to fighting heart disease and stroke. Our mission is to build
healthier lives by preventing, treating and defeating these diseases – America’s No. 1 and
No. 3 killers. We fund cutting-edge research, conduct lifesaving public and professional
educational programs, and advocate to protect public health. To learn more or join us in
helping all Americans, call 1-800-AHA-USA1 or visit americanheart.org
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