HealthPark Recognized As Innovator in Health Improvement
Medical Fitness Association Confers Distinguished Achievement Award
OWENSBORO, KY (December 4, 2009) — The Medical Fitness Association (MFA) acknowledged the Owensboro Medical Health System HealthPark today during its annual meeting in Orlando with one of its top honors—the Distinguished Achievement Award for medical fitness facilities 50,000 square feet or larger.
The award recognizes leaders and innovators in medical health and fitness improvement. One organization receives the honor each year for the development and successful implementation of wellness and fitness programs and services it offers.
Cary Wingfield, executive director for MFA, said: “The HealthPark qualified as a recipient for the award in this category because it clearly serves as a benchmark for medical fitness centers that other organizations can emulate.”
HealthPark efforts leading to the Distinguished Achievement Award included Strong Women, a program to help women fight osteoporosis; METS, a multifaceted approach to equip those with multiple risks for heart disease become healthier; and PowerUp Kids, a fun time that teaches families how to eat well and exercise properly. Certified health professionals, including nurses, exercise physiologists, diabetes educators, dietitians and physical therapists provide leadership and coaching for these and a number of additional services.
“This award reflects the dedication of our talented and dedicated staff,” said Collette Carter, director of the HealthPark. “Our team works tirelessly to improve the health of our community.”
The 110,000 square-foot HealthPark opened in October 1998, launching one of the nation’s first medical-based fitness facilities. Medical-based fitness integrates clinical programs with exercise and nutrition, providing patients and members with comprehensive approaches to fitness and rehabilitation, including those with identifiable health risks or managing chronic diseases.
HealthPark membership remains at an all-time high, now over 4,900.
Owensboro Medical Health Systemserves an 11-county region in Western Kentucky and Southern Indiana. The hospital received the HealthGrades Distinguished Hospital for Clinical Excellence Award in 2009, placing it among the top five percent of hospitals in the nation for quality. OMHS is a full-service hospital, employing a workforce of nearly 3,200. OMHS also operates the HealthPark, a medical-based fitness center and a number of ancillary services, clinics and diagnostic centers. Regional clinics include MultiCare locations in Madisonville and Beaver Dam (KY) and Tell City (IN). OMHS also provides care through the Clinic at Walmart, Newburg (IN).
The Medical Fitness Association (MFA) is a professional membership association and is the only organization dedicated to the medical fitness difference and integrated care as the prescription for better health. MFA serves facilities and professionals who are committed to promoting the benefits of health and fitness programs on lifestyle-related disease and making medical fitness programs and services available within their community. A nonprofit organization founded in 1991, the MFA provides industry standards, educational programs, benchmarks, professional development and networking. To learn more about MFA, please call 804-897-5701 or visit www.medicalfitness.org.