From left are Nerissa Morris, vice president of human resources; Gretchen Semancik, senior development director for the Miami-Dade Heart Walk, Greater Miami/Fort Lauderdale Market – American Heart Association; and Jennifer Cohen, executive director of HR-Benefits.

For the fourth consecutive year the American Heart Association has named the University of Miami a Fit-Friendly Worksite, a designation that honors the institution for advancing the health and well-being of its employees by offering benefits such as fitness programs and workout facilities. UM achieved gold-level recognition as a Fit-Friendly worksite.

“We are extremely honored and excited about this recognition,” said Nerissa Morris, vice president for human resources and chair of the UM Wellness Advisory Council. “As we come off a very successful inaugural event focused on the overall well-being of our faculty, staff, and students, and as we prepare to launch our 2013 wellness incentive program, this award serves to reinforce our message.”

Morris said  the University will continue to cultivate a culture of wellness through various incentives that include wellness centers on the Coral Gables and Miller School of Medicine campuses; programs like Walking ’Canes, Be Smoke Free, and Weight Watchers at Work; and free preventive care benefits for faculty and staff who are on a UM health care plan.

For more information on the Fit-Friendly Worksite initiative or to learn how to advance your overall well-being, visit www.miami.edu/wellcanes.