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SALISBURY, MD---Healthy U of Delmarva at ¾ÅÐãÖ±²¥ annually awards $6,000 to local community members and groups for promoting healthy choices.

The winners of the 2010 HUEY Awards are:  Peninsula Regional Medical Center for the corporation category, Calvin B. Taylor Bank’s Berlin branch for small business, James M. Bennett High School for education, ¾ÅÐãÖ±²¥ resident Kim Nutter for individual, and Trinity United Methodist Church for house of worship.  K & L Microwave won Most Outstanding.

“The HUEY awards are just one way Healthy U of Delmarva encourages residents of the Lower Eastern Shore to make healthy lifestyle changes,” said Mitzi Perdue, who founded the organization in 2002.  “I’m thrilled by the creativity and dedication that these honorees have shown in developing programs to promote wellness among their employees, students and congregation members.  These efforts will help foster higher productivity in the workplace and increased awareness about health at home.  Hopefully, more groups from the ¾ÅÐãÖ±²¥ area will get involved.”

“Since becoming part of the University’s outreach network, Healthy U has encouraged wellness on campus and inspired many community partners to make healthy lifestyle changes,” said SU President Janet Dudley-Eshbach.  “Recently, Healthy U joined SU and other ¾ÅÐãÖ±²¥ area organizations to launch the state’s Healthiest Maryland initiative on the Lower Shore.  Creating healthier communities statewide begins with efforts like these.  My thanks to Healthy U and congratulations to this year’s HUEY Award recipients.” 

Peninsula Regional Medical Center is recognized for its strong commitment to healthy living. The medical center has developed and implemented numerous programs, including monthly health topics, an osteoporosis challenge, 5K 101 training classes, a circuit class challenge and the Sneakers & Creepers 5K Walk.

The Calvin B. Taylor Bank, a first-time participant, earned kudos for providing healthy snacks in its lunch room, and encouraging group walks during lunch and after work.  In addition, the bank publishes health-related articles in its employee newsletter and encourages employee memberships at a local gym. 

Bennett High created a new Instructional Leadership Team to promote wellness among faculty and staff.  The team encourages participation in community and school activities, and also works to raise awareness of health issues and healthy behaviors. Several “casual days” throughout the academic year raised nearly $3,500 to benefit local health organizations. The school also provided outlets for physical activities including volleyball, dodgeball, canoeing, kayaking, badminton and a memorial garden cleanup.

Nutter is a secondary math professional development coach at Bennett and Parkside high schools who was recognized for her ongoing commitment to healthy living.  An three-year Healthy U member, she has improved her overall health by modifying eating habits, exercising and being more active—all positive changes that paid off when she was able to walk two 5K events last year.

Trinity United Methodist Church won its HUEY for continued dedication to spreading the word about healthy living.  The church’s health outreach ministry continually provides health-related resources to educate the congregation and community.

The Most Outstanding HUEY went to K & L Microwave for its wide range of health-related activities.  These include a healthy rewards program, a monthly lottery massage and Lunch & Learn sessions.  The company also started two challenges (Quick Fit and Ultimate Loser), and conducted health risk assessments, including body mass index, blood pressure and cholesterol tests.

“Educating our employees about behavior and lifestyle choices positively impacts the future wellbeing of our most valuable resource – our people,” said Robin Hall of K&L Microwave.  “It also helps control our health care spending related to both insurance rates and claims.  Some employees bring healthy lunches to share, and thanks to wonderful partnerships with Healthy U, we’ve held two successful Health Fairs.”

Second place HUEY Award winners include Data Services, John B. Parsons Assisted Living, ¾ÅÐãÖ±²¥ Middle School and Parkside High School. For more information on Healthy U or details about participating in the 2011 HUEY’s, call 410-742-9202 or visit the Healthy U Web site at .