Published Saturday, January 7th by The Press-Register – Article originally published by the Press-Register on Saturday, January 7th. The original article can be viewed here: al.com

Written by Casandra Andrews, Press-Register

MOBILE, Alabama – Four coastal Alabama employers have won American Heart Association recognition for championing healthy practices and creating a culture of physical activity at work.

Kaiser Realty Inc., the Press-Register, Springhill Medical Center and The SSI Group have been designated as “Fit Friendly Companies,” said Christina Quick, a regional director for the association.

The designation honors healthy behaviors and support throughout the year, not just during fundraising events.

A Springhill Medical, Marian Faulk, director of marketing, said that the hospital undertakes a range of activities to inspire its work force to pursue healthy lifestyles.

For example, it has initiated a partnership with Springhill Athletic Club that allows hospital employees to use the indoor walking track for free, she said.

“One of the messages we like to promote is about the importance of preventive health care and how important it is to take care of yourself,” Faulk said. “If you can prevent high blood pressure and diabetes you are going to be a healthier person, you are going to be able to be a healthy parent and a healthy professional.”

At Kaiser Realty in Gulf Shores, a meeting room has been transformed into a gym that’s available to workers 24 hours a day, seven days a week, said Emily Gonzales, marketing and public relations director.

The company also brings in a personal trainer twice a week to work with staff members free of charge, she said.

“We truly feel that to have a strong family you need to be strong individuals,” Gonzales said. “We encourage that through healthy activities within the office and within the community.”