HealthFitness' Dennis Richling, M.D., to Speak on Measurement and Elements of Culture Change at AJHP's Art & Science of Health Promotion Conference

Building a culture that supports workplace health not only reduces costs; it transforms lives, says Richling

MINNEAPOLIS, April 10, 2012 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- Employers determined to contain medical costs must focus on creating a culture that supports healthy behaviors. If they can do that, they can enhance not only their bottom lines but also transform the lives of their workers. That's the crux of the message Dennis Richling, M.D., chief medical and wellness officer, HealthFitness will deliver at the 22nd annual Art and Science of Health Promotion Conference at the Manchester Grand Hyatt in San Diego. The three-day conference, sponsored by the American Journal of Health Promotion, begins on April 11; Richling will deliver his presentation twice: 3:15-4:30 p.m. on Wednesday, April 11, and 11:00 a.m.-12:15 p.m. on Thursday, April 12.

Richling will explain how a culture of health is a workplace where employee health and safety is valued, supported and promoted and share strategies to measure culture change and determine success. He will also give examples that demonstrate the relationship between key elements that build a healthy culture and contribute to risk reduction in a population.

"Anybody who has ever managed people clearly understands the connection between health and productivity. It's very real," he said. "To move the needle on reducing health risks in a population, you need a comprehensive approach that affects the whole culture—from leadership buy-in through true engagement at the personal level. Measuring the effectiveness of that culture of health and the success of the health management program is essential."

He believes his mission aligns with that of the conference and its attendees. "My focus is on making lives better. That's why it is a particular honor to speak at this conference, where so many of us share a commitment to promoting better health and transforming lives."

For details on the conference, visit www.healthpromotionconference.com/.

About Dennis Richling, M.D., Chief Medical and Wellness Officer, HealthFitness
Dennis Richling has a diverse background covering clinical services, wellness product development, community education and programming, and health care policy research. He is also currently senior medical director for Trustmark, HealthFitness' parent company. His previous experience includes serving as chief medical officer of health services for the Union Pacific Railroad, which received numerous awards and recognition for its health management services. He received his medical degree from Creighton University School of Medicine and is a fellow of the Institute of Medicine of Chicago.

About HealthFitness
HealthFitness, a subsidiary of The Trustmark Companies, is an award-winning, NCQA-accredited provider of health, fitness and condition management solutions. With 30-plus years of experience, HealthFitness is a proven leader and partner for infusing a culture of health. We maximize client results through personalized interaction and a science-based approach to on-site program management, engagement, prevention, and health and lifestyle management. HealthFitness provides a portfolio of solutions, including best-in-class integration, condition management, INSIGHT® Health Risk Assessments, screenings, EMPOWERED Coaching™ and fitness facility design and management. For more information on HealthFitness, visit www.hfit.com.

SOURCE HealthFitness