NEW BEDFORD, Mass. – Southcoast Health today announced that it has been recognized as a Platinum-Level Fit-Friendly Worksite by the American Heart Association for helping employees eat better and move more. Platinum is the highest level of recognition.

“We’re extremely honored to receive the Platinum Level recognition again this year,” said Kristi Aimone, Wellness Coordinator at Southcoast Health. “Southcoast is committed to the health and wellbeing of our employees as well as that of the communities we serve. To support this effort, we offer a variety of onsite programs and events to our employees such as yoga, Zumba, Farmer’s Markets and CSA’s, as well as healthy choice options in our cafeterias.”

Platinum-level employers are those who 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 and demonstrate measurable outcomes related to workplace wellness.

“We recently partnered with Virgin Pulse which offers a platform that promotes gamification strategies that encourage our employees to be more physically active,” said Aimone. “Employees who participate wear an activity tracker that records their steps, miles and calories per day which allows them to monitor their progress and make improvements to their health and wellbeing.”

The Fit-Friendly Worksites program is a catalyst for positive change in the American workforce by helping worksites make their employees’ health and well-being a priority.

For more information about the Fit-Friendly Worksites program and how it’s helping to improve the health of Americans by focusing on the workplace, visit heart.org/worksitewellness.