02.08.12 Five local health systems will focus on healthy eating, exercise and weight loss among employees as part of a new Louisiana Hospital Association wellness program.

The hospital association kicked off Smart Choices, Better Health in January to promote wellness among health care workers. Some hospitals will offer public and community programs in addition to employee health promotions. More than 100 hospitals across the state are participating in the three-year, two-phase program. The first phase involves nutrition weight issues. The second will focus on smoking cessation.