April 9, 2009
Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Kansas Steps into National Walk @ Lunch DayŽ April 29
The state’s largest health insurer is asking Kansans to take the first steps towards better health by walking during lunch April 29 as part of National Walk @ Lunch Day®. Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Kansas is organizing a rally and walk at the Kansas Statehouse in Topeka to bring attention to the benefits of incorporating the healthy habit of walking into one’s busy work day. The company also is encouraging employers across the state to organize walks for their employees.
“National Walk @ Lunch Day is designed as an easy way for people to fit some exercise into their busy lives,” said Graham Bailey, vice president of corporate communications and public relations. “The process is simple – just take a half hour walk at lunch. Making it a habit can positively contribute to your health as well as the overall health of Kansas.”
Bailey said the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services estimates the cost to treat illness and chronic disease caused by inactive lifestyles is nearly $1,000 for every family in America every year.
“Simply getting 30 minutes of moderate physical exercise, such as a brisk walk, at least five times a week has significant health benefits, such as lowering the risk of developing or dying from cardiovascular disease, hypertension or type 2 diabetes, and improving the health of muscles, bones and joints,” Bailey said.
In Topeka, several hundred Blue Cross employees are expected to join employees from downtown Topeka businesses, state employees, legislators, elected officials and the public at noon for a walk around the Statehouse grounds. Andrew C. Corbin, president/CEO of Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Kansas, and Roderick L. Bremby, secretary of the Kansas Department of Health and Environment, will provide opening comments at the rally prior to the walk.
“We encourage employers throughout the state, school districts, community groups and individuals to consider participating in National Walk @ Lunch Day,” Bailey said. “Employers can easily organize a simple walk for their employees by designating a safe route, picking a start time and inviting employees to participate.”
Tools to promote National Walk @ Lunch Day, such as customizable flyers, posters and messages, are available in the Tools for Employers section.
Bailey said his company would like to hear from businesses or groups which get involved so he can have an idea on the number of Kansans who participated. Simply send an e-mail to community.relations@bcbsks.com.
This is the third annual National Walk @ Lunch Day. Last year, the nationwide effort drew tens of thousands of participants in all 50 states, the District of Columbia and Puerto Rico. National Walk @ Lunch Day is a workplace walking program designed to fit into – not compete with – the busy, daily routine of Americans. It is a component of WalkingWorks®, a Blue Cross and Blue Shield Association physical activity program to help Americans live healthier lives and reduce unnecessary medical costs due to physical inactivity. The WalkingWorks program was developed in partnership with the Presidents Council on Physical Education and Sports.
Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Kansas is an independent licensee of the Blue Cross and Blue Shield Association. BCBSKS is the state's largest health insurer, serving all Kansas counties except Johnson and Wyandotte.
- Back -