DES MOINES, Iowa, March 8, 2024 — Workers in the U.S. are among the most stressed in the world, with 50% of employees reporting significant daily stress. To combat this trend, the American Heart Association, a global force for healthier lives for all, will host the annual Iowa Workforce Health Symposium on Friday, March 22 at UnityPoint Health’s Education and Research Center in Des Moines.
The sixth-annual symposium brings companies together to learn from industry experts on creating a culture of health and wellness for their employees. Those in attendance represent a cross-section of professionals, ranging from human resources experts and benefits managers to company health and wellness leaders.
The symposium is free and runs from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Space is limited and registration is required at heart.org/IowaWorkplaceHealth. The last day to register is March 21.
Author and keynote speaker Troy J. Cook heads a lineup of seven presenters for this year’s program, titled “The Balancing Act: Resiliency is Your Strength to Wellness.” Cook uses his battle against Parkinson’s disease to provide inspiration and direction to his audience.
“For many years, I’ve been fortunate to observe, speak to and work with organizations navigating catastrophic changes,” said Cook, whose book “Change is Inevitable Growth is Optional: Learnings from Navigating Adversity” was released in November 2023. “In 2017, I was challenged to apply what I learned about adversity to my own life when I was diagnosed with young onset Parkinson’s disease at age 48. My story since that time and the stories of others will be integral to my message.”
The Iowa Workforce Health Symposium also features presentations from:
- Tim O’Neil, senior workforce solutions specialist for TrueNorth Companies
- Joy Schiller, Nicole Frangopol and Missy Gripp with the wellness department at Des Moines University
- Dr. Warren Phillips, clinical psychologist for Transformative Workplace Solutions
- Dr. Wanakee Carr, obstetrician and gynecologist for The Iowa Clinic
- Heather Gavras, national program lead, nutrition and well-being for the American Heart Association
- Tinika Roland and Khalil Adams, heart disease survivor story
The complete agenda, presentation topics and speaker bios can be found at heart.org/IowaWorkplaceHealth.
“Workplace stress takes a significant toll on our physical and mental well-being. Building a culture where employees thrive is imperative in today’s environment,” said Wesley Franklin, community impact director for the American Heart Association, Greater Des Moines. “The Iowa Workforce Health Symposium provides wellness professionals with a chance to network, learn from experts and take away valuable knowledge and resources to bolster their organization’s health and wellness initiatives.”
The Iowa Workforce Health Symposium is sponsored by Healthiest State Initiative, Iowa Medical Society, Iowa Urban Media and UnityPoint Health – Des Moines. It is part of the American Heart Association’s Well-being Works Better™ platform. For general inquiries or sponsorship information, contact Wesley Franklin at wesley.franklin@heart.org.
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About the American Heart Association
The American Heart Association is a relentless force for a world of longer, healthier lives. We are dedicated to ensuring equitable health in all communities. Through collaboration with numerous organizations, and powered by millions of volunteers, we fund innovative research, advocate for the public’s health and share lifesaving resources. The Dallas-based organization has been a leading source of health information for a century. During 2024 - our Centennial year - we celebrate our rich 100-year history and accomplishments. As we forge ahead into our second century of bold discovery and impact our vision is to advance health and hope for everyone, everywhere. Connect with us on heart.org, Facebook, X or by calling 1-800-AHA-USA1.
For Media Inquiries:
Bryan Geelan; bryan.geelan@heart.org
For Public Inquiries: 1-800-AHA-USA1 (242-8721)
heart.org and stroke.org