Ohio Obesity Prevention Plan Receives Support From Anthem Blue Cross And Blue Shield And Radio Disney

October 5, 2009

MASON - Anthem Blue Cross and Blue Shield in Ohio recently announced its $100,000 sponsorship of Radio Disney's "Move It!" program to help support the Ohio Obesity Prevention Plan.  "Move It!" is a youth and family fitness program that encourages an active lifestyle for kids and adults, and serves as an outlet to promote healthy living and the fun and entertaining ways it can be achieved.

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, over 9 million children aged six to 19 are overweight or obese - a number that has tripled since 1980.  Studies also suggest that approximately 35 percent of children in Ohio aged 10-17 years are overweight or obese and 35 percent of our third graders are overweight or obese.

"I applaud Anthem Blue Cross and Blue Shield for being a leader in efforts to prevent obesity in children and adults," Governor Ted Strickland said.  "Their support of 'Move It!' is great example of how the private sector can collaborate with the state to educate Ohioans on active, healthy lifestyles."

In 2008, realizing the seriousness of the obesity issue, Gov. Strickland called for the development of a comprehensive, multi-faceted obesity prevention strategy.  Gov. Strickland designated the Ohio Department of Health as the lead agency in the development and implementation of the Ohio Obesity Prevention Plan, which also involves the work of many other state agencies.

"The Ohio Obesity Prevention Plan is designed to ensure that all Ohioans have opportunities for physically active lifestyles and access to nutritious foods," said Alvin D. Jackson, M.D., director of the Ohio Department of Health.  "Radio Disney's 'Move It!' program fits beautifully with the goals and objectives of the plan, including objectives relating to efforts health plans can make to encourage members to achieve a healthy weight and lifestyle."

As part of the Anthem sponsorship, this summer, Radio Disney WWMK AM 1260 visited YMCAs throughout Ohio to present "Radio Disney's Summer of Family Fun," a series of events designed to build awareness about the importance of maintaining a healthy lifestyle.  These events also gave families the chance to enter to win a special family night out at one of three sold-out Jonas Brothers World Tour 2009 concerts.

And this fall, the "Move It!" Ohio School Challenge, sponsored by Anthem Blue Cross and Blue Shield, encourages Ohio students to build healthy habits while competing against other schools to win new gym equipment and a live Radio Disney dance party hosted by a Radio Disney deejay at their school in December.  Nearly 300 Ohio schools signed up, with more than 47,000 students participating in the "Move It!" Ohio School Challenge.

"Not only are we committed, but we are obligated to educate our members and the community, especially our kids, on ways to be healthy," commented Erin Hoeflinger, President, Anthem Blue Cross and Blue Shield in Ohio.  "There is a staggering statistic that says only 3 percent of Americans adhere to the four key healthy behaviors: not smoking, maintaining a healthy weight, eating right, and exercising regularly.  As the mother of two young daughters, this is an initiative near and dear to my heart.  Anthem looks forward to continuing innovative programs like 'Move It!' to enhance the lives of our members and the health of our communities."

About Anthem Blue Cross and Blue Shield
Anthem Blue Cross and Blue Shield is the trade name of Community Insurance Company, an independent licensee of the Blue Cross Blue Shield Association.  ®ANTHEM is a registered trademark of Anthem Insurance Companies, Inc.  The Blue Cross and Blue Shield names and symbols are registered marks of the Blue Cross and Blue Shield Association.  Additional information about Anthem Blue Cross and Blue Shield in Ohio is available at www.anthem.com.

About Radio Disney
Radio Disney is the #1, 24-hour radio network devoted to kids, tweens and families.  Kids help pick the music that is played and are encouraged to interact via a toll-free phone line to the Radio Disney studio.  The network's current playlist, driven by listener requests and representing major record labels, includes recording artists Miley Cyrus, Hannah Montana, Jonas Brothers, Taylor Swift, Demi Lovato, David Archuleta, Jordin Sparks and Mitchel Musso.  The network is available on 49 terrestrial radio stations and is also available via RadioDisney.com, Sirius and XM satellite radio, iTunes Radio Tuner, XM/DIRECTV, mobile phones and on its all new Radio Disney iPhone App.