Lake Health was recognized for its wellness fitness programs for team members, including Yoga, Pilates, Zumba and Meditation, and continuing their employee wellness program, which is a comprehensive wellness program that includes awareness, identification and recruitment of team members, peer wellness coaching, and creating a healthier workplace environment.  Through this program, team members are encouraged to complete a health risk assessment with biometric screenings and participate in wellness coaching to develop wellness goals.  Wellness coaching takes place over a six-month period with weekly and then monthly contact with a wellness coach. 

Other wellness activities offered through the Lake Health Wellness Institute include a five-month corporate challenge, a six-week walking challenge, personal health profiles, medical nutrition therapy, the Weight 4 Life weight management program, a Farmer's Market, outpatient services including acupuncture, Reiki, and massage therapy, and annual employee health fairs.

"Through our comprehensive wellness program we have been able to tailor services to our team members needs as well as help set individual wellness goals and assist our team members in meeting their goals," said Sharon Minjares, MS, RD, LD, director of the Wellness Institute at Lake Health.

"Employee health and wellness efforts result in major benefits for both employer and employee," said Laura Ritzler, Healthy Ohio Business Council Chair.  "Positive returns on investment are realized in employees who improve their health resulting in decreased rates of absenteeism and increased productivity. Employers also realize reductions in health care costs and an overall increase in productivity and job satisfaction."

CONCORD TOWNSHIP, Ohio, January 24, 2012 - One of every three American women will die of heart disease. In Ohio, nearly 32,000 women die each year from heart disease and stroke.  Yet despite the statistics, less than 60 percent of women recognize heart disease as the No. 1 killer of women. Most women still fail to make the connection between risk factors-such as high blood pressure and high cholesterol-and their personal risk of developing heart disease. That's why Lake Health and the Women's Center at Lakeland Community College are hosting a special event and fashion show in support of women and the fight against heart disease.

The Wear Red for Women Event and Fashion Show will be held on Friday, February 24, from 9:30 a.m. – 1:30 p.m. at Holiday Inn Express Hotel & Suites LaMalfa, 5783 Heisley Road, Mentor.

The event will feature keynote speaker Tracey Conway, an Emmy-award winning actress and comedienne. Having been clinically dead almost twenty minutes from sudden cardiac arrest, Tracey's presentation will touch on health issues, embracing change, creating a balanced life and appreciating our friends as the best medicine.

The Wear Red event will also feature a health expo, a heart-healthy lunch, and a fashion show presented by Ursuline College. The health expo is from 9:30 to 11:45 a.m. and will include free cardiac screenings, spa services, and presentations on Innovative Procedures for Treating Atrial Fibrillation by Lake Health Electrophysiologist Dr. Jamshid Alaeddini and Cooking for Your Healthy Heart by Chef Judi Strauss. The lunch, keynote speaker, and fashion show are from 12 to 1:30 p.m. If your time is limited, feel free to join us for just the lunch, keynote speaker and fashion show.

The cost of the event is $25 per person, $20 for LifeCycles and PWI members, or $140 for a table of eight. Women are encouraged to wear red to the event to show their support for women and the fight against heart disease.

To reserve your tickets or table for the Wear Red for Women Event and Fashion Show, please call the Best of Health line at 440-953-6000 or 1-800-454-9800. Space is limited, so reserve your seat today.

The Wear Red for Women Event and Fashion Show is supported by the Lake Health Foundation, the philanthropic affiliate of Lake Health and partners in supporting heart-healthy initiatives, and is sponsored in part by the News-Herald and Lake/Geauga Family magazine.

Dr. de León earned her podiatric medicine degree from the Pennsylvania College of Podiatric Medicine in Philadelphia and completed her residencies at St. Francis Medical Center/Mount Sinai Hospital in Hartford, CT, and the University of Medicine & Dentistry of New Jersey. Her special medical interests include sports medicine, sports injuries and preventive care, diabetic limb salvage, wound care, and pediatrics. Dr. de León has been a member of Lake Health's medical staff for 15 years.

Dr. Santacruz Chavez earned her medical degree from the Universidad Peruana Cayetano Heredia School of Medicine in Lima, Peru, and completed her postgraduate training in diagnostic radiology through the Altman/Mercy/NEOUCOM program in Canton, OH followed by a breast imaging fellowship at Aultman Hospital.  Dr. Santacruz Chavez has been a member of Lake Health's medical staff for one year.

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The keynote presenter for this year's Runner's Clinic is Ted Rupe, Ohio's first major marathon winner and three-time Ohio Runner of the Year. Drawing on years of experience and expertise, Mr. Rupe will present important tools and guidance to help runners focus on their endurance and performance goals.

The Runner's Clinic will also feature vendor exhibits and several breakout sessions, including:

• Preserving Your Knees - Eric Parsons, MD
• Running a Marathon is Possible - Gary Robinson
• Preventing Foot and Ankle Injuries - Mark Mendeszoon, DPM
• Creating Harmony Between Your Run and Your Nutrition - Gretchen Chriszt, MS, RD, LD
• A Runner's Guide to Hip Bone Health - Patrick Hergenroeder, MD

The cost of the Runner's Clinic is $20 and includes a long-sleeve technical running shirt. Light refreshments will be provided. For a brochure and to register, call the Best of Health Line at 440-953-6000 or 1-800-454-9800. Registration deadline is January 22, 2012.

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