Worksites take steps to decrease healthcare expenses, increase productivity

American Water (NYSE: AWK), the largest publicly traded U.S. water and wastewater utility company, announced today it has been recognized for the third consecutive year as a Platinum-Level Fit-Friendly Worksite by the American Heart Association for helping employees eat better and move more.

“We are honored and excited to be recognized among so many great wellness programs in our nation by the American Heart Association as a Platinum-Level Fit-Friendly Worksite,” said Peg Fenner-Gulledge, Health & Wellness Manager at American Water. “Earning this recognition for the third consecutive year is a testament to our invested focus on physical activity and employee wellness. We’re committed to helping our employees get healthy and stay healthy, and will continue to encourage both safety and good health at American Water.”

Platinum-level employers:

  • Offer employees physical activity options in the workplace.
  • Increase healthy eating options at the worksite.
  • Promote a wellness culture in the workplace.
  • Implement at least nine criteria outlined by the American Heart Association in the areas of physical activity, nutrition and culture.
  • Demonstrate measurable outcomes related to workplace wellness.

The Fit-Friendly Worksites program is a catalyst for positive change in the American workforce by helping worksites make their employees’ health and well-being a priority.

American Water has been recognized for its employee health and wellness program, Healthy Solutions. The program includes access to a dedicated website, on which employees and their families can participate in a free, confidential health assessment, as well as get tools and tips about health, fitness, stress management and weight management. The program offers an annual biometric screening, seven scheduled wellness challenges throughout the year, and access to customized healthy living coaching programs including personal health coaches, as well as financial incentives and other rewards to employees for participation.

“Being involved in Healthy Solutions keeps my health at the forefront of my mind and encourages me to keep up on the things that will keep me healthy and aware of any risks I may be facing,” said Linda Taflinger, an employee with Pennsylvania American Water.

At the end of four years, 54 percent of employees are engaged in the program. In addition, an increased number of family members are participating and eligible to receive prizes.

American Water employees are also benefiting from Healthy Solutions free, one-on-one personal health coaching as well as online virtual nutrition-based health coaching. “I've lost 30 pounds so far working with my Healthy Solutions coach,” said Amber Begley, an employee with American Water’s market-based business. “My co-workers in the office have also joined the bandwagon and we help keep each other on track with our goals. Healthy Solutions is a great program that is designed to take an active role in managing your health. I can't thank American Water enough for providing this tool for healthy living!”

According to the American Heart Association, American employers are losing an estimated $225.8 billion a year because of healthcare expenses and health-related losses in productivity, and those numbers are rising. Many American adults spend most of their waking hours at sedentary jobs. Their lack of regular physical activity raises their risk for a host of medical problems, such as obesity, high blood pressure and diabetes. Employers face $12.7 billion in annual medical expenses due to obesity alone. The American Heart Association is working to change corporate cultures by motivating employees to start walking, which has the lowest dropout rate of any physical activity.

For more information about the Fit-Friendly Worksites program and how it’s helping to improve the health of Americans by focusing on the workplace, visit www.heart.org/worksitewellness.

About the American Heart Association

The American Heart Association is devoted to building healthier lives, free of cardiovascular diseases and stroke. Our mission drives everything we do. To improve the lives of all Americans, we provide public health education in a variety of ways. We team 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 join us, call 1-800-AHA-USA1 or any of our offices around the country, or visit heart.org.

About American Water

Founded in 1886, American Water (NYSE: AWK) is the largest and most geographically diverse publicly traded U.S. water and wastewater utility company. With headquarters in Voorhees, N.J., the company employs 6,400 dedicated professionals who provide regulated and market-based drinking water, wastewater and other related services to an estimated 15 million people in 47 states and Ontario, Canada. More information can be found at www.amwater.com.

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American WaterDenise Venuti FreeExternal Communications Manager856-309-4690denise.free@amwater.com

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