Fitness and Wellness re-defined using Internet in the...( KELOWNA BC June 12 / There is a n...),Health

KELOWNA, BC, June 12 /PRNewswire/ - There is a new wellness shift occurring in the workplace. As employers recognize the value of workplace wellness, it's re-defining corporate fitness. Progressive companies are harnessing the benefits of wellness, increasing productivity and teamwork. Employees are getting involved more than ever with fun social interaction using the Internet.

New technology is creating a simple fitness approach to protect people against cardiovascular diseases, hypertension, obesity and diabetes. Employees only need a pair of good runners and Internet access to participate.

Workplaces across the nation are taking part in virtual team races based on real physical activity. Workplaces like Vermont Department of Health, Region of Durham, BC Hydro, Cleveland Clinic Hospitals, ARCADIS, and Simon Fraser University are realizing the benefit of active employees. Wellness managers are encouraging employees to join active workplace teams and compete for fun incentives.

Incentives include massages, days off, gift cards, reduced health insurance rates and tickets to entertainment. "We love the new technology" states Sheri Walker, HR Administrator. "The activity challenge is a hit. We had to double the access passes in the first week to meet the response."

In a virtual race, individuals are encouraged to be active the equivalent of 10,000 steps a day. Most people are 5500 steps short of what they need in a day, which is estimated to cost employers $2,500.00 annually per inactive employee. New technology offered by CoreHealth Technologies Inc. uses mapping tools to help people plan those extra steps. It converts walking or physical activity at different intensity rates, into steps or points for employees to participate in team challenges. Overworked HR and wellness staff can quickly benefit, using this type of turn-key solution.

Workplaces see up to 60% of the employees who start the program go on to reach the 10,000 st
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