DETROIT, April 29 /PRNewswire/ -- It can be hard to find time for exercise. That's why Blue Cross Blue Shield of Michigan and more than 90 Michigan employers and organizations are hosting walks across the state on National Walk @ Lunch Day, Wednesday, April 30. That day, thousands of people will lace up their shoes for a 30-minute lunchtime walk and show how exercise can fit into, and not compete with, a work day.
National Walk @ Lunch Day is part of the Blue Cross Blue Shield WalkingWorks(R) program which was developed to help Americans live healthier lives and reduce unnecessary medical costs due to physical inactivity. WalkingWorks was developed in partnership with the President's Council on Physical Fitness and Sports.
"National Walk @ Lunch Day is designed to help employers encourage their employees to start walking toward better health," said Daniel J. Loepp, Blue Cross Blue Shield of Michigan president and CEO. "Something as simple as a 30-minute daily walk can reduce the prevalence of diseases and illnesses linked to physical inactivity."
On April 30, Blue Cross Blue Shield of Michigan is holding employee walks at 14 of its facilities throughout the state, from Detroit to Marquette and points in between.
The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services estimates the annual cost to treat illness and chronic disease caused by inactive lifestyles is nearly $1,000 for every family in America. Thirty minutes of moderate physical activity, such as a brisk walk at least five times a week, can improve muscle, bone and joint health, and lower the risk of developing or dying from cardiovascular disease, hypertension and type 2 diabetes.
Blue Cross Blue Shield of Michigan, a nonprofit organization, provides and administers health benefits to more than 4.6 million members residing in Michigan in addition to members of Michigan-headquartered groups who reside outside the state. The company offers a broad variety of plans including: Traditional Blue Cross Blue Shield; Blue Preferred, Community Blue and Healthy Blue Incentives PPOs; Blue Care Network HMO; BCN Healthy Blue Living; Flexible Blue plans compatible with health savings accounts; Medicare Advantage; Part D Prescription Drug plans, and MyBlue products in the under-age-65 individual market. Blue Cross Blue Shield of Michigan and Blue Care Network are nonprofit corporations and independent licensees of the Blue Cross and Blue Shield Association. For more company information, visit bcbsm.com.
SOURCE Blue Cross Blue Shield of Michigan
