NEW YORK, N.Y., Aug. 7, 2015 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- via PRWEB - For the fourth year in a row, the American Heart Association (AHA) has recognized EmblemHealth as a Platinum Level Fit-Friendly Company. The recognition honors companies committed to helping their employees improve their health by eating better and exercising more.
EmblemHealth, the New York health benefits and wellness company, provides coverage for 3.4 million people through its companies Group Health Incorporated (GHI) and HIP Health Plan of New York (HIP). According to Karen Smith-Hagman, Vice President Medical Management at EmblemHealth, the company has adopted a culture of wellness and has a longstanding tradition of providing a wide range of innovative health and wellness offerings to its employees.
"EmblemHealth's myHealth PATH program was conceived to empower our employees to make changes in their behaviors and adopt healthier habits," said Smith-Hagman. "We are very proud to be recognized by the AHA for this very important program."
From 2013 to the present, nearly 2,400 EmblemHealth employees have received cash awards for participating in the results-oriented myHealth PATH program, which features a Personal Health Assessment, online classes and challenges, and support from wellness coaches who assist participants in adopting healthy behaviors to reach their health goals.
The program has shown impressive results, according to Smith-Hagman. Almost 38 percent decreased stress levels; 33 percent increased exercise duration; 41 percent improved exercise frequency; and 53 percent improved some aspect of their diet.
Results like these are no surprise to Beth Oliver, RN, MS, American Heart Association Board Member and Chairperson of the My Heart My Life Initiative in New York City. "The Fit-Friendly Worksites Program offers a unique, easy-to-implement opportunity for corporations to increase employees' physical activity which will help improve their health -- and their employers' bottom line," said Oliver. "Even people who haven't exercised regularly until middle age can reap significant benefits by starting a walking program."
About EmblemHealth
EmblemHealth, Inc., through its companies Group Health Incorporated (GHI) and HIP Health Plan of New York (HIP), provides quality health care coverage and administrative services to approximately 3.4 million people. Groups and individuals can choose from a variety of PPO, EPO and HMO plans, as well as coverage for prescription drugs and dental and vision care. EmblemHealth offers a choice of networks, including quality doctors and other health care professionals throughout the region, leading acute care hospitals across the tristate area, and physicians and hospitals across all 50 states. For more information, visit http://www.emblemhealth.com.
About the American Heart Association
The American Heart Association (AHA) is devoted to saving people from heart disease and stroke – America's No. 1 and No. 5 killers. AHA teams with millions of volunteers to fund innovative research, fight for stronger public health policies, and provide lifesaving tools and information to prevent and treat these diseases. The Dallas-based association is the nation's oldest and largest voluntary organization dedicated to fighting heart disease and stroke. To learn more or to get involved, call 1-800-AHA-USA1, visit heart.org or call any AHA office around the country. Follow AHA on Facebook and Twitter.
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