American Diabetes Association Launches Corporate Health Ambassador Initiative

Strategic Insights -

The American Diabetes Association (ADA) has initiated a program to recognize companies that promote healthy lifestyles among their employees, aiming to combat the growing issue of type 2 diabetes. As part of this initiative, several major corporations have pledged to support employee health and wellness programs, leveraging the workplace as a platform to address the country's public health crisis. With over 65% of Americans being overweight or obese, the rate of type 2 diabetes is increasing, and the ADA's Corporate Health Ambassador program seeks to encourage companies to adapt their workplaces to promote healthy living.

Key Takeaways:

  • The American Diabetes Association (ADA) launched the Corporate Health Ambassador initiative to recognize companies that promote healthy lifestyles among their employees.
  • Over 65% of Americans are overweight or obese, and this is a leading modifiable risk factor for type 2 diabetes.
  • The incidence of diabetes has jumped nearly 50% in the past 10 years, and the disease is expected to grow another 165% by 2050 under current trends.
  • Eli Lilly and Co. has pledged to become an ADA Corporate Health Ambassador and is expanding its walking program that encourages participants to walk 10,000 steps a day.
  • Rite Aid Corp. has introduced various health-promoting programs, including the "Rite Aid Step Challenge," and encourages associates to participate in ADA's America's Walk for Diabetes events.
  • Other major companies, such as Abbott Laboratories, Aetna, Aventis Pharmaceuticals, Inc., Freudenberg-NOK, and H.J. Heinz Company, have also signed on to the ADA Corporate Health Ambassador initiative.
  • Weight loss of as little as 10-15 pounds and regular exercise can delay or prevent the onset of type 2 diabetes by almost 60% over a 3-year period.

Statistics:

  • Over 65% of Americans are overweight or obese (ADA Representative).
  • The incidence of diabetes has jumped nearly 50% in the past 10 years (CDC).
  • The disease is expected to grow another 165% by 2050 under current trends (CDC).
  • Weight loss of as little as 10-15 pounds and regular exercise can delay or prevent the onset of type 2 diabetes by almost 60% over a 3-year period (Diabetes Prevention Program).

Sources:

  • NewsRx.com & NewsRx.net (2004 NOV 1)
  • American Diabetes Association (representatives)
  • U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)
  • Diabetes Prevention Program
  • Eli Lilly and Company
  • Rite Aid Corp.