ALTUS – Oklahoma employers and human resource representatives are invited to “Make It Your Business” to promote employee wellness and save health-related business costs.

“Make It Your Business” is a program for all sizes of businesses that explains ways to implement policies and practices that will improve the health of employees, which helps raise morale and productivity. The curriculum is divided into three parts: “eat better,” “move more” and “be tobacco-free.”

The free training is scheduled for 9 a.m. to 12 p.m., Oct. 3 at the Southwest Technology Center. The program will include light refreshments and a discussion with panelists from three Jackson County businesses that have developed employee wellness plans and have received awards from the Certified Healthy Business Program.

The event is sponsored by the Jackson County Community Health Action Team, Jackson County Health Department, Jackson County Nutrition and Fitness Taskforce, Jackson County Tobacco Education Committee, Altus Chamber of Commerce, Oklahoma State Department of Health and the State Center for the Advancement of Wellness.

Among the 50 states, Oklahoma has the second-highest rate of death due to heart disease and the tenth-highest rate of obesity in adults. Smokers, on average, miss six days each year due to illness compared to three days for non-smokers. “With this training, we can work to change these facts for a healthier tomorrow,” said Tara Davis, Nutrition and Fitness program coordinator for the Jackson County Community Health Action Team.

To register, visit “http://www.ok.gov/strongandhealthy”. For more information on becoming a Certified Healthy Business, contact Davis at 580-482-7308 or via email at ”TaraD@health.ok.gov”.