Dr. Portia Brandt, Superintendent of Muncy Area School District, accepts a Gold-Fit Award from Carmen Terry and the American Heart Association at last Monday night's school board meeting.

MUNCY – On Monday night, March 17, the Muncy Area School District was officially recognized for its positive change to make it a “fit-friendly worksite.”

Superintendent, Dr. Portia Brandt, welcomed Carmen Terry from the American Heart Association (AMA) who presented the award in the school district’s honor.

The Fit-Friendly Worksite recognition program is part of the AMA’s “My Heart, My Life” initiative. “It is intended to be a catalyst for positive change in workplaces across America,” announced Terry.

Muncy Area School District was recognized for making the health and wellness a priority for their employees.

Some of the changes that were made include more walking routes inside and outside of each building, healthier eating options (more fruits and vegetables) in the cafeteria, health screenings on site to check blood pressure, BMI, cholesterol and glucose levels, and educational seminars on health and wellness.

Health assessments are also offered online and a newsletter on various health topics is provided to all employees.

Every spring the school promotes a wellness challenge to increase physical activity and consume a better diet.

Terry stated that according to AMA guidelines, the school district has embraced at least nine of the criteria in the areas of physical activity, nutrition and culture.

Companies apply online for Fit-Friendly recognition and are selected twice per year by a national committee. The next deadline for applying for Fit-Friendly Worksite recognition is April 1, 2014.

Founded in 1924, the AMA is the nation’s oldest and largest voluntary health organization dedicated to building healthier lives, free of heart disease and stroke.