Businesses Join Program To Promote Worker Health
Several Fresno County businesses on Thursday joined HealthyFresno, a program that works to promote preventive health services to reduce chronic illnesses in the region, the Fresno Bee reports. Members of the program include representatives from the Fresno Unified School District, the Fresno Business Council and AT&T.
According to a study by the independent research firm Altarum Institute, one in three Fresno County residents has at least one chronic disease. Nationwide, chronic diseases like cancer, diabetes and heart disease cost employers about $1.8 billion annually in direct health costs, lost productivity and other expenses, according to the Bee.
Organizers of HealthyFresno, which is sponsored by the Pharmaceutical Research and Manufacturers of America, are encouraging area businesses to join the program to reduce those costs.
The HealthyFresno Web site provides information for employers on creating a healthier workforce. The Web site suggests that businesses provide nutritious snacks for workers, create a tobacco-free workplace and allow employees to take fitness breaks.
Some HealthyFresno members said they have put in place their own programs to create healthier workplaces that have resulted in fewer sick days and an overall better work environment (Rodriguez, Fresno Bee, 7/28).