Mayo Clinic Recognized by the
National Business Group on Health

For Immediate Release

For the second consecutive year, the National Business Group on Health recognized Mayo Clinic's efforts to promote a healthy work environment.

The second annual Best Employers for Healthy Lifestyles award from the National Business Group on Health honors Mayo Clinic for programs and resources provided to its employees and their family members. The Gold Award recognizes employers for creating cultural and environmental changes that support employees who are committed to long-term behavior changes.

As an employer, Mayo is implementing resources to help combat the impact of weight gain, inactivity and poor eating habits. Mayo's health promotion program LiveWell helps employees achieve the best quality of life possible by promoting the extensive resources available to focus on health and wellness lifestyle choices. Resources include Mayo Clinic EmbodyHealth portal featuring Mayo Clinic Health Assessment, and customized Mayo Clinic EmbodyHealth newsletter. Mayo's telephonic EmbodyHealth coaching program features dedicated modules for nutrition, weight and fitness offering one-on-one counseling for those individuals identified as at-risk by Mayo Clinic Health Assessment.

LiveWell also offers on-site resources like the Dan Abraham Healthy Living Center with its extensive lifestyle programs focusing on weight management and fitness, Lunch and Learns by Mayo experts and programs such as Walking Wednesdays and fitness challenges throughout the year.

LuAnn Heinen, director of the Institute on the Costs and Health Effects of Obesity, with the National Business Group on Health said, “Obesity and overweight employees cost U.S. employers more than $13 billion annually. More companies are getting serious about improving the health of their workers, and the fact that we are recognizing 50 percent more companies this year than last year demonstrates American businesses are taking notice."