CDC Doc to GlobalFit Summit: Wellness Quadruples Your Money

"Every dollar spent on the wellness of your employees will save you about $4 in the long run," Dr. L. Casey Chosewood of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) told a group of corporate wellness executives at the GlobalFit Workplace Wellness Summit in Philadelphia last week.

The CDC's Director of the Office of Health and Safety, Dr. Chosewood cited an "American Journal of Health Promotion" meta-analysis that calculated an average of $3.48 in healthcare savings and $5.82 savings on absenteeism for every $1.00 spent on workplace health promotion.

Now in its second year, the GlobalFit Summit brought together more than 125 industry executives for a full day of information, networking and even exercise. "We're here today to foster a new corporate culture," said David Giampaolo, GlobalFit's Chairman of the Board. "Employee fitness and wellness is vital to the financial health of a company. The Summit gives employers the tools to take that next step towards more effective workplace wellness promotion, towards employees that are leading healthier lives."

In addition to Dr. Chosewood, the Summit featured presentations by Dr. Gary Foster, Professor of Medicine and Public Health and the Director of the Center for Obesity Research and Education at Temple University; Mark Blondman, Esq., CHRO of Blank Rome LLP; Joe Moore, President and CEO, International Health, Racquet and Sportsclub Association; and fitness expert Kathy Smith, author of "Feed Muscle, Shrink Fat" (Meredith Books, 2008).

"The onsite feedback I heard from attendees was overwhelmingly positive," said GlobalFit President and CEO, Frank Napolitano. "They found Dr. Foster's discussion of the causes and treatment of obesity to be very enlightening. From Mark Blondman and Joe Moore, they took away specific, proactive steps for a more propitious legal environment for workplace wellness. And having Kathy demonstrate simple, at-your-desk exercises was immediately useful and a fun change of pace."

Officially titled "The GlobalFit Worksite Wellness Summit: The Foundation for a Healthier Workforce," the event took place on Friday, May 9, 2008 at the Loews Philadelphia Hotel. Eligible participants received 4.75 (General) recertification credit hours toward PHR, SPHR and GPHR recertification through the Human Resource Certification Institute, as well as for four continuing education contact hours by the National Commission for Health Education Credentialing, Inc.

About GlobalFit:

GlobalFit is the nation's leading provider of healthy living benefits. As The Source for a Better You, GlobalFit offers a comprehensive selection of programs, products and services designed to create a healthier world by providing access to benefits for healthy living. Since 1992, GlobalFit's signature offering has been its fitness center network; the network now includes thousands of respected fitness centers across the US, including everything from well-known chains to independent facilities. In 2007, GlobalFit unveiled "Destination: You," a groundbreaking corporate wellness program combining activity tracking, education, community support and incentives. For more information on the Summit, please visit www.globalfit.com/hrsummit for more information on GlobalFit, please visit www.globalfit.com .

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For More Information Contact: Lisa White Vice President of Marketing GlobalFit 215-320-4204 Email Contact