Fit wellness into your workday: New program for BC businesses launched today by Canadian Cancer Society in partnership with Healthy Families BC

VANCOUVER, April 11, 2012 /CNW/ - The Canadian Cancer Society, BC and Yukon in partnership with the Government of British Columbia's Healthy Families BC are proud to announce the launch of WellnessFits - a comprehensive workplace wellness program.

Almost 36% of adults suffer from one or more chronic conditions and 2 in 5 Canadians will develop cancer in their lifetime. As the rates of cancer and chronic disease rise, employers are looking for tools and support to guide them through the process of developing healthy workplace programs to help improve the health and wellness of their employees. Research confirms that workplace wellness programs reduce sick leave by 28%, employer health care costs by 26% and compensation and disability costs by 30%.

"We know many businesses care about the health and wellness of their employees and WellnessFits is a great resource to get them started," said Cathy Adair, VP of Cancer Control at the Canadian Cancer Society.

Together the Canadian Cancer Society and Healthy Families BC have developed complementary tools and resources designed to address the different needs of small, medium and large businesses that include free assessment services and advice.

"We know that a healthy workplace has a positive return on investment for business through reduced absenteeism and increased productivity," said Health Minister Michael de Jong. "A healthy workplace also helps businesses position themselves to attract and retain the brightest and the best in a competitive job market."

Based on your organization's needs, WellnessFits offers online, email, telephone support and on-site consultations. The WellnessFits website (wellnessfits.ca) offers valuable and comprehensive information on healthy eating, physical activity, healthy minds and being tobacco-free in the workplace to help reduce the risk of cancer and other chronic diseases.

The Canadian Cancer Society encourages all employers to fit wellness into the workplace. Further information and resources are available at wellnessfits.ca and healthyfamiliesbc.ca

Established in 1938, the Canadian Cancer Society is a national charity that fights cancer by doing everything we can to prevent cancer, fund research and support people living with cancer. Join the fight! Visit our website at cancer.ca  or call our toll-free bilingual Cancer Information Service at 1 888 939-3333.

For further information:

Gina Ungaro, Canadian Cancer Society, BC and Yukon
[e-mail]
604 675-7335 (office)
604 313-8097 (mobile)