Eastman helps employees get fit

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reports Tennessee has the third highest obesity level in the country.  Governor Phil Bredeson launched the Get Fit Tennessee program in 2006 to raise awareness of health threats like obesity, Diabetes, heart disease and stroke.

A Tri-Cities company is giving their employees the tools to succeed as well.

Tennessee Commissioner of Health Susan Cooper has had enough.

“We’ve just said, “Stop it!“  That’s unacceptable, and not on our watch,” she says.

She’s had enough of expanding waistlines and poor health habits.  That’s why she’s encouraging people to get fit.  Places like Eastman Chemical Company are on board.  Eastman’s Health Initiative has made a big difference in the lives, and waistlines of employees.

Cooper says, “Eastman is a fabulous example of worksite wellness programs.  They have made investments in their employees.  As you can see they have great ball fields here, walking tracks, they have health ambassadors across the corporation.”

Eastman employee Cynthia Hegler has found success with Eastman’s program.

“I guess it’s more being accountable,” she says.  “Having someone walking in every month and asking, “Are you exercising, are you eating more vegetables or more fruit?“ and saying yes or no.  You don’t want to say ‘no’, so that motivates you to actually do something.”

Hegler is 14 pounds lighter, but she measures her milestones by more than just the changes on the scale.

“My blood glucose has dropped, my cholesterol has dropped, its just amazing what it can actually do for you,” she says.

“This is about making a personal commitment to yourself and to your family,” Cooper says.  “There are programs you can put into place, but remember, you are worth it.  You’re health should be an asset, not a liability.

Get Fit Tennessee is a comprehensive program that offers menus, a food journal, calorie counter and fitness suggestions, all for free.

Go to http://www.getfittn.com to start improving your health!