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CONTACT: Erin O'Connell, KAF
Jim Farrell, PR First, 781-681-6616, jfarrell@prfirst.com
Kirkland Albrecht & Fredrickson (KAF) staff members participate in A Healthy Balance nutrition program
BRAINTREE, MA (PRBuzz.com) December 20, 2012 -- Twelve members of the staff at Kirkland Albrecht & Fredrickson, LLC (KAF) one of the leading CPA firms in the Boston area, recently participated in a 12-week nutrition and exercise program facilitated by Nikki Tierney of A Healthy Balance, Inc.
"This remarkable program was the perfect way to learn about healthy eating," said Susan Mulford, Human Resources Manager at Kirkland, Albrecht & Fredrickson, who proposed the wellness initiative. "It held us accountable for the choices we made and we all came away with knowledge that we can incorporate into our daily lives."
The program focused on habit changes, according to Tierney, a Registered Dietician, Licensed Dietician Nutritionist and Certified Personal Trainer, who has presented wellness workshops to staff at KAF in the past.
"The emphasis was on better eating, exercise and stress release," said Tierney. "And the results at KAF were excellent, with participants losing a total 6% body weight and a combined group weight loss total of 126.4 lbs for the group!"
In fact, some participants, like Mark Robinson, a founding partner of KAF, saw dramatic body weight reduction.
"My results included a 14.4% reduction in total body weight," said Robinson, who called the program "very informative and helpful."
"If you have a history of poor eating habits, this program can be a real eye-opener," said Robinson, lauding Tierney for "a teaching style that is encouraging and upbeat."
Thomas Hoffman, a Chartered Retirement Plan Specialist with KAF gave high marks to "the very professional, well designed program."
"Nikki is very reassuring and flexible in tailoring all her great ideas for each person's situation," said Hoffman. "I feel much more informed on how to live a better lifestyle."
Wellness programs in the workplace can provide benefits not only to participating individuals, but to a company as a whole. Studies have linked such programs to increased productivity, decreased absenteeism and significant reductions to long-term health care costs.
While KAF offered a professionally run program specific to diet and exercise, they also promote wellness through a variety of measures, including making flu vaccinations available in the workplace and providing a variety of workshops facilitated by A Healthy Balance, Inc. on topics; such as "Making Your Workout Work for You," "Eat this Not that," and "Stress Management."
Studies have also indicated that one of the simplest methods to foster healthy habits in the workplace is by providing wholesome and nourishing meals. KAF offers complimentary dinners during its busy season, allowing staff to choose their own healthy options.
Employees at KAF are also encouraged to catch a breath of fresh air a few times during the day - a couple short walks can add up to solid exercise and go a long way toward relieving stress. In the spring of 2012 six teams at KAF competed in a Pedometer War. Pedometers were provided by A Healthy Balance with the goal for each individual to take 10,000 steps or more a day. The winning team had a total of 1,109,952 steps. All six teams in total walked 2,322 miles!
Employee incentive programs can serve as great motivation toward healthier living. KAF has offered financial rewards for employees or teams who've achieved specific goals set by the programs the firm has participated in. KAF plans to continue their wellness initiative into 2013 and beyond.
"We recognize the impact and importance of a healthy lifestyle, good nutrition and exercise," said Kenneth Kirkland, Managing Partner of Kirkland Albrecht & Fredrickson, LLC (KAF). "We're proud to offer programs that help to enrich the lives and health of our fine family of employees."
About Kirkland Albrecht & Fredrickson, LLC (KAF)
Kirkland, Albrecht & Fredrickson, LLC headquartered in Braintree MA is one of the leading CPA firms in the Boston area, offering expertise and insight needed to develop innovative solutions to all of our client's financial needs. Services include Accounting & Audit, Financial Advisors, Tax Consulting & Compliance, Human Resources, Business Valuation, Management Consulting, and Business Transitions. For additional information please visit www.kafgroup.com or call 781-356-2000.
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