County, Hospital, Schools Team For Employee Health Program

Potter County has joined with Charles Cole Memorial Hospital and local school districts to address employee health issues. The voluntary “Steps to a Healthier You” program kicked off last week and continues through  April 24. Highmark Blue Cross Blue Shield is promoting the program, based on its findings that a healthier workforce is more productive, with less absenteeism and reduced medical costs for employers.

The program promotes a healthier lifestyle by tracking participants’ minutes of physical activity per day. Those in the program are tracking their time on a weekly basis using stopwatches. Participants will receive prizes and incentives. The winning location will receive a trophy at the conclusion of the program.

Potter County employees got off to an impressive start with the “Steps” program. Some 56 of the registered 74 employees exercised in one form or another for a combined 16,785 minutes. Highmark supports the program by providing the stopwatches and supplying information on exercise, diet and healthy living.