INShape Indiana Health Summit Promotes Worksite Wellness

INDIANAPOLIS, IN - Nearly 600 people attended the third annual INShape Indiana Health Summit today at Purdue University in West Lafayette. "Live Healthy, Work Healthy," this year's theme, focused on workplace wellness and health management programs as business strategies.

Opening remarks were provided by Governor Mitch Daniels, State Health Commissioner Judy Monroe, M.D., and Purdue University President France A. Córdova, Ph.D., followed by a series of keynote speakers, exhibits and breakout sessions.

"The reason I am so excited about this third annual event is we are getting to the heart of the matter. As we move forward with INShape Indiana into 2008, we hope to promote personal responsibility, which is what wellness is all about," said Gov. Daniels. "I am genuinely optimistic we are turning a corner."

Earlier this year, Governor Mitch Daniels signed into law a tax credit for small employers who recognize the importance of worksite wellness.  Businesses with worksite wellness programs have a unique opportunity to use this tax credit and improve the lives of their employees.  Details on what employers qualify for this tax credit and how to apply can also be found at www.inshape.IN.gov.

Dr. Monroe announced the release of a state obesity plan. The Indiana State Department of Health brought together 14 teams of experts and conducted two sessions of root cause analysis on obesity to develop the plan, which is available by visiting the INShape Indiana Web site at www.inshape.IN.gov.

"Working with partners in public health and medicine, the State Department of Health has completed a comprehensive state obesity plan. The overall goal is to reduce the prevalence of obesity by improving the nutrition and physical activity habits of Indiana residents," said State Health Commissioner Judy Monroe, M.D.  "The role the business community can play is to implement worksite wellness programs that support specific goals outlined in the plan, including increasing access to healthy food and physical activity resources.  Businesses can also support environmental changes that promote healthy behaviors."

Opening speaker William Dietz, M.D., Ph.D., director of the Division of Nutrition and Physical Activity at the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) focused on the obesity epidemic in the United States, discussing both its negative impact and opportunities to reduce the burden of obesity in Indiana.  The morning keynote speaker Glorian Sorensen, Ph.D., M.P.H., professor of society at the Harvard University School of Public Health and director of the Dana-Farber's Cancer Center for Community-Based Research spoke about worksite wellness programs and discussed their effectiveness in enhancing wellness.  Afternoon keynote speaker Dee W. Edington, Ph.D., director of the University of Michigan Health Management Resource Center and professor with the Division of Kinesiology at the University of Michigan talked about health management programs as a serious business strategy.

The 2007 INShape Indiana Health Summit at Purdue University was sponsored by Clarian Health, Advantage, Anthem Blue Cross and Blue Shield, Kroger, Lilly, and Pfizer.  Inside INdiana Business was the official media sponsor.

The Indiana State Department of Health is the lead agency for Governor Daniels' INShape Indiana initiative launched in July 2005 to challenge Hoosiers to adopt healthier behaviors.  The State Department of Health also held INShape Indiana Health summits in 2005 and 2006 focusing on disease prevention and improving health in Indiana. 

Technorati Tags: News France A. Córdova PhD Government Governor Mitch Daniels Health Indiana State Department of Health INShape Indiana INShape Indiana Health Summit ISDH Judy Monroe MD Mitch Daniels

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