Valero Named Fit-Friendly Workplace

SAN ANTONIO, Texas -- Valero Energy Corp. is working to make its employees as healthy as its business. The company is one of four in the San Antonio region to be named a Fit-Friendly workplace by the American Heart Association, according to the San Antonio Business Journal.

Valero, Avanzar Interior Technologies, Christus Santa Rosa Health System and United Optum have all earned gold status certification, according to the report.

The Fit-Friendly certification program recognizes employers that go above and beyond in matters of their employees' health. Reaching gold status involves implementing activities and programs to encourage physical activity and nutrition, and adding features such as on-site walking routes, healthy foods in cafeterias and vending machines, annual employee health-risk assessments and online tracking tools. Platinum tier is the highest level companies can reach.

"Many Americans spend much of their work days sitting at a desk with little opportunity for physical activity," said Brett Beach-Kimball, executive director of the American Heart Association's San Antonio office. "Studies show that by starting a work-site physical activity program and promoting a culture of activity, companies see increased productivity, reduced absenteeism, lower turnover and reduced healthcare costs."