University of St. Augustine for Health Sciences Awarded Platinum Fit-Friendly Worksite by American Heart Association

University among elite group recognized for third consecutive year for going above and beyond to enhance and support employee health

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University of St. Augustine for Health Sciences

Sep 14, 2016, 04:16 ET

SAN MARCOS, Calif., Sept. 14, 2016 /PRNewswire/ -- The University of St. Augustine for Health Sciences (USAHS), a leading graduate institution that emphasizes rehabilitative and health science education through innovative classroom and distance education, has been recognized as a Platinum Fit-Friendly Worksite by the American Heart Association. The Fit-Friendly program recognizes employers who champion the health of their employees and work to create a culture of physical activity and health in the workplace.

The University of St. Augustine for Health Sciences was award as a Platinum Fit-Friendly Worksite by the American Heart Association. In addition to wellness centers and programs, the university built a ninja obstacle course for students, employees and community members to use as they challenge themselves to meet their goals toward living healthy lifestyles. The course also offers an opportunity for team building for the university and community groups on its St. Augustine, Florida campus.

"As a health sciences institution, we understand the importance of encouraging employee health, and we promote programs, challenges and team building opportunities to support our employees in achieving healthy lifestyles," said Dr. Wanda Nitsch, president and chief academic officer, University of St. Augustine for Health Sciences. "At USAHS, we are a university who constantly looks to improve the well-being of our employees. Through our resources, such as wellness centers and providing group exercise classes on each of our campus locations and our dedication to innovative programs, such as our Walking Challenge and our Ninja obstacle course on the St. Augustine, Florida campus, we do our part to ensure our employees have easy access to information and resources to make smart, healthy decisions. We are pleased to achieve this great recognition from the American Heart Association for the third year in a row."

American Heart Association (AHA) Fit-Friendly Worksite Platinum

The AHA Fit-Friendly Worksite Platinum designation is awarded to workplaces that fulfill criteria such as offering employees physical activity support, increasing healthy eating options at work and promoting a wellness culture.

For more information on the University of St. Augustine for Health Sciences, visit www.usa.edu or contact Rachael Lighty at [email protected].

About University of St. Augustine for Health Sciences (USAHS)

The University of St. Augustine for Health Sciences (USAHS) is a graduate institution that emphasizes health and rehabilitative science education through innovative classroom and distance education, and offers degree programs in physical therapy, occupational therapy, nursing, education and health science, as well as continuing education programs. Founded in 1979, USAHS has locations in San Marcos, California; St. Augustine, Florida; Austin, Texas and Miami, Florida. USAHS is regionally accredited by the Western Association of Schools and Colleges Senior College and University Commission. USAHS is one of more than 70 institutions in 25 countries that comprise the Laureate International Universities network. Laureate Education, Inc. is a public benefit corporation and both Laureate and USAHS completed a rigorous, independent assessment to become a Certified B Corp®. For more information about USAHS and Laureate, visit www.usa.edu and laureate.net.

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SOURCE University of St. Augustine for Health Sciences