American Heart Association’s American Heart Month (February) is ending, but we believe it’s critical to continue empowering people to take care of their hearts and reduce the impact of heart disease.

In fact, we’re inspired! FTI is dedicated to supporting heart health through focused initiatives that encourage our team members to live life to the fullest and create a healthier, safer and more engaged community.

Here are nine ways YOU can support heart health throughout 2025. Later, we’ll share what we’re doing at FTI. CPR Training

  1. First Aid and CPR Training: These first of three ways to support heart health all involve safety, and the first one is literally a lifesaver. Knowing how to perform CPR enables someone to provide immediate medical assistance to a team member experiencing cardiac arrest. And, having general first aid skills is essential to enhancing workplace safety and preparedness.
  2. Emergency Action Plans: Safety can always be strengthened. During an emergency, people may panic, which could create an unsafe situation and drive heart rates unnecessarily high. Having a well-defined emergency action plan can prevent chaos and ensure quick, effective responses during emergencies.
  3. Ergonomic Workstations: Sometimes maintaining safety is a matter of paying attention to the smallest details. Proper posture, body movements, equipment positioning and even lighting in the workplace are all critical to enhancing ergonomics. Implementing ergonomic improvements can reduce risk factors that lead to discomfort, strain and stress (on your heart and entire body), so team members can be more productive and enjoy their jobs more.
  4. Biometric ScreeningBiometric Screenings: Wellness ─ both physical and mental ─ is a decision ultimately made by a team member yet often greatly influenced by an employer. An annual biometric screening may uncover potential health issues, including ones that affect heart health.
  5. Fitness Tracking: When a goal is involved, people are more likely to succeed. Tracking progress ─ whether that’s steps taken, calories burned or heart rate ─ is a motivator. A fitness tracker captures information about your heart and whole body and provides insights you’d never know otherwise.
  6. Blood Drives: Giving blood doesn’t just help others, it’s a quick check of your pulse, body temperature, iron count and blood pressure; all directly affecting heart health. Plus, donating blood can improve blood flow and reduce the risk of heart attacks.
  7. Health Coaching: The right coaching can provide nutrition guidance, inspire exercise, manage stress and help build habits that can minimize the risk of cardiovascular disease. Discussions happening in a safe, judgment-free space can result in a healthier body and an uplifted spirit.
  8. American Heart Association and American Red Cross Involvement: Partnerships with these two organizations boost heart health awareness all year long. A commitment to charitable initiatives allows companies to give back to their communities. In addition to health-focused organizations, consider making a positive impact on education, environmental preservation or overall community well-being. What’s better for heart health than that?
  9. Giving to Those Who Need It Most: Can helping others improve your own heart health? Studies have shown that giving time or money to charity can lower blood pressure, improve mood and increase longevity, with benefits being similar to those of a healthy diet and exercise. (Source: Charities Aid Foundation’s World Giving Index of 2022).
FTI Supports Heart Health Month 3
FTI Supports Heart Health Month 2
FTI Supports Heart Health Month

Piggybacking on the nationwide celebration, “Heart Health Month” was celebrated within FTI. The month-long awareness campaign included a photo contest, team members sharing heart-healthy tips and access to healthy tools. It complemented FTI’s Culture of Care, our organization-wide effort to create a supportive, healthy environment.

What We’re Doing at FTI

At FTI, we offer valuable wellness perks while doing our best to support heart health all year. Here are initiatives we’ve implemented:

  • We highlight the importance of first aid and CPR training courses, which boost team member confidence and create a positive work environment.
  • We offer free biometric screenings for team members and spouses.
  • We conduct regular onsite blood drives with leading blood collection organizations.
  • We offer $400 in financial reimbursement for expenses related to physical, financial and emotional health.
  • Our EmpowerYOU Wellness program provides a free Max GO fitness tracker to team members and spouses.
  • Through Personify Health (our wellness platform), team members have access to one-on-one support from qualified health coaches.
  • Lyra Health provides up to eight no-cost, confidential coaching or therapy sessions per household member per year.
  • With safety being a core value at FTI, team members work with more peace of mind and less heart stress, plus that dedication has led to numerous safety excellence awards.

Lastly, in 2024, FTI was recognized for our workplace wellness, including being ranked #80 nationwide on Healthiest Employers’ “Healthiest 100 Workplaces in America” list; receiving the “Mental Health Visionary Award” given by Construction Working Minds; and receiving Mental Health America’s “Platinum Bell Seal for Workplace Mental Health,” which was especially gratifying because FTI prioritizes mental health.

Will you take any of these nine ways to heart and implement them? Even if it’s just a few, we thank you for all you’ll do to keep American Heart Month beating throughout 2025!