Manchester Community Schools Honored with Healthy Workplace Award

In conjunction with National Public Health week, Washtenaw County Public Health (WCPH) is honoring five local businesses with Healthy Workplace Awards. These awards recognize Washtenaw County businesses that are assisting their employees in reducing unhealthy behaviors that can lead to chronic disease through the implementation of workplace wellness programs.  Manchester Community Schools (MCS) was one of the organizations that took home honors this year!  The awards were presented at the Board of Commissioner’s public meeting on April 2, 2014.

Other 2014 winners include the National Kidney Foundation of Michigan, the Ann Arbor Area Transportation Authority, Manpower, Inc. of Southeast Michigan and the City of Ann Arbor.

The WCPH stressed that “Chronic, preventable diseases such as heart disease and diabetes count for 75% of U.S. healthcare spending, yet only 3% of our healthcare dollars go towards preventing disease…More than half of all cancer deaths could be prevented by making healthier choices, such as not smoking, eating healthy, staying at a healthy weight, keeping active and a recommended string of tests.”  They urged a shift in our healthcare organizations to move towards prevention rather than only treatment.

“By investing in their workforce, they are also investing in the health of our community,” says Alice Penrose, MD, MPH, Medical Director for Washtenaw County Public Health.  Each of the five awardees has made great strides to eliminate unhealthy behaviors in their workplaces.

Shanna Spickard, Principal of the Middle School, submitted the application and accepted the award on behalf of MCS.  MCS was chosen as one of the five recipients due to reporting decreased healthcare costs and increased health awareness amongst school employees as a result of offering fitness programs including weight loss, cholesterol education, fitness education and others.  Congratulations to all who participate in any of these programs.

Washtenaw County Public Health promotes health and works to prevent disease and injury in our community. Visit them online.  National Public Health week takes place April 7-13, 2014. For more information, please visit their website.

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by News News