Recognized for its commitment to promoting healthy lifestyles for their employees, Lourdes hospital received a gold-level Fit-Friendly Company designation from the American Heart Association.

Companies earn the heart association’s award by encouraging their employees to eat right and stay active through an ongoing series of programs and initiatives.

“At Lourdes, we know our associates are our most valuable asset,” said Lindsey Wiles, Lourdes Health and Wellness Coordinator. “Investing time and resources into their health and wellness is priceless because it helps us provide excellence in patient care.”

Gold-level Fit-Friendly companies are recognized for offering employees physical activity options in the workplace; increasing the amount of healthy eating options; promoting a wellness culture in the workplace; and embracing activity, nutrition and culture criteria outlined by the AHA.

“Many of us spend the majority of our day at the office, which is why it is so critical for companies to offer healthy lifestyle options for their employees,” said Jamie Smith, division director for the AHA. “We are pleased to recognize Lourdes for their achievement of making their workplaces heart healthy.”