<0> Health plan to host statewide screenings, educational panels to address obesity epidemic </0>
<0> Priority Health Brings Weight of the Nation Campaign to Michigan </0>
<0> Priority HealthAmy Miller, (616) 464-8571 </0>
It’s no secret that U.S. obesity rates have reached record highs, with Michigan ranked among the worst. The state is ranked third for obesity and has been among the 10 heaviest states for more than a decade. These grave statistics come with serious and costly consequences as obesity leads to life-threatening conditions such as diabetes and heart disease, both of which are among the leading causes of death in Michigan.
To increase awareness of obesity and ultimately change behaviors, Priority Health is bringing The campaign to Michigan by hosting statewide screenings of the HBO project’s documentary, paired with educational discussions focused on the health and wellness of local communities.
The centerpiece of project is the documentary, which features studies, as well as interviews with the nation’s leading experts and those who struggle with obesity. The second component is a nationwide public awareness campaign that prompts communities across the country to take an ownership stake in the fight against obesity. The Weight of the Nation was created by HBO and the Institute of Medicine, in association with the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and the National Institutes of Health, and in partnership with the Michael & Susan Dell Foundation and Kaiser Permanente.
“Obesity is one of the greatest health issues plaguing Michigan residents today,” said Paula Murphy, director of marketing for Priority Health. “By driving awareness through local screenings and educational discussions, we hope to not only inform but more importantly drive positive behavior changes that improve the health of our residents and ultimately reduce the rapidly rising costs of health care.”
Every event will conclude with a panel discussion focused on creating recommendations to improve the health of each community. Participants will include health care providers, school officials, community leaders and employers, all of whom will explore the most effective ways to address obesity.
For more information on The Weight of the Nation, visit .
Priority Health is an award-winning health plan nationally recognized for creating innovative solutions that impact health care costs while maximizing customer experience. It offers a broad portfolio of products for employer groups and individuals including Medicare and Medicaid beneficiaries. As a nonprofit company, Priority Health serves more than 600,000 people and continues to be rated among the best health plans in the nation by the National Committee for Quality Assurance.