For immediate release Taft Celebrated National Employee Columbus - Governor Bob Taft today joined hundreds of state employees on the Statehouse lawn for a celebration of National Employee Health and Fitness Day (NEHFD) sponsored by the Governor's office and the departments of Administrative Services and Health. He also announced the first members of the new Healthy Ohioans Business Council, a key component of his statewide Healthy Ohioans initiative. Representing the newly formed Healthy Ohioans Business Council at the NEHFD celebration were: Phil Urban, president and CEO of Columbus-based Grange Insurance; Anne Dunlap, senior vice president of operations for Newark-based The Longaberger Co.; and John Bickley, CEO of the YMCA of Central Ohio. These companies were chosen because of their commitment to provide health and wellness opportunities for their employees. The council will encourage other businesses to incorporate health and wellness activities. The other businesses named to the Healthy Ohioans Business Council are: Parker Hannifin - Cleveland; the YMCA of Greater Toledo; the Westfield Group -Medina; Worthington Industries - Columbus; TriHealth - Cincinnati; Anthem Blue Cross and Blue Shield - Mason; Bonne Bell - Lakewood; GE Aircraft Engines - Cincinnati; Honda of America - Marysville; MFD Lordstown Metal Center - Warren; OhioHealth - Columbus; Ross Products Division of Abbott Laboratories -Columbus; and LuK - Wooster. Taft, in conjunction with the Ohio Department of Health, launched Healthy Ohioans in 2001, after learning of Ohio's poor ranking when it comes to healthy lifestyles. Healthy Ohioans is a statewide health and wellness initiative designed to encourage Ohioans to get active, eat more healthy foods and stop using tobacco. Some of the statistics driving the campaign are:
"Not surprisingly, the top five leading causes of death in Ohio, heart disease, cancer, stroke, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease and diabetes, can be directly linked to lifestyle choices," Taft said. "The Healthy Ohioans initiative is working to encourage all Ohioans to take those important, first small steps toward a healthier lifestyle." Taft joined a team of three state employees for a five-minute stationary bicycle "race" as part of the first-ever Governor's Fitness Challenge. Hundreds of state employees also took part in an obstacle course race, which emphasized agility, and a jump-rope competition highlighting cardiovascular fitness. Celebration activities also included fitness demonstrations by groups from across the state and included yoga, senior citizen chair volleyball, Marine Corps chin-ups and other healthy activities. More than 15 health-related businesses staffed booths offering guidance and literature related to various health and wellness activities. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommends establishing a regular routine of physical activity that includes at least 30 minutes or more of moderate intensity physical activity all or most days a week as an essential element to good health. "Starting on the road to better health doesn't require investing hours in a gym or giving up all of our favorite foods," Taft said. "All the employees who joined today's celebration know they can start down a healthier path by simply taking a few small steps, such as eating more fruits and vegetables and taking a walk or riding a bike each day, which will lead to big strides in personal health and wellness." Please visit www.healthyohioans.org for more information. -30- Contact: Joe Andrews, Governor's Office, at (614) 644-0957 Ohio Department of Health - Office of Public Affairs (614) 644-8562 |
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