Regence BlueShield of Idaho Announces Participation In National Walk @ Lunch Day
December 11, 2006
LEWISTON – Regence BlueShield of Idaho today announced it will organize and participate in National Walk @ Lunch Day, a new effort to encourage employees to walk at lunch to improve their health. Employees from across the country, including thousands in Idaho who work for companies large and small, are encouraged to participate in the first annual National Walk @ Lunch Day on Wednesday, April 18, 2007.
"This is a national effort, and we'll be part of this important walking program," said John Stellmon, president of Regence BlueShield of Idaho. "National Walk @ Lunch Day is an opportunity to educate our employees and customers about the benefits of walking and to let them know how they can incorporate exercise into their work day. The walk will demonstrate in a very visible way to the people of Idaho the health benefits of adding physical activity to their day."
Regence BlueShield of Idaho will join other Blue companies (including Regence companies in Oregon, Utah and Washington) and their employees around the nation who will be participating in National Walk @ Lunch Day by hosting a National Walk @ Lunch Day Event on Wednesday, April 18.
Challenging other leaders to lead their employees on April 18, Stellmon said, "National Walk @ Lunch Day will provide our employees the motivation and support they need to sustain a healthy walking routine, and will result in employees who are happier, healthier, and more productive."
National Walk @ Lunch Day is an extension of WalkingWorks® and Regence BlueShield of Idaho's commitment to helping Idahoans live healthier lives and reduce unnecessary medical costs due to physical inactivity and poor health. WalkingWorks was created by the Blue Cross and Blue Shield companies to help Americans live healthier, more active lives, and ultimately reduce the likelihood of costly health problems.
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 adding 30 minutes of moderate physical activity, such as a brisk walk, at least five times a week can help people lose weight, lower their cholesterol and strengthen their heart.
About Regence BlueShield of Idaho
Regence BlueShield of Idaho has more than 850 employees statewide and is headquartered in Lewiston and maintains offices in Boise, Coeur d'Alene, Pocatello and Twin Falls. It is an independent licensee of the Blue Cross and Blue Shield Association, an association of 38 independent, locally operated Blue Shield and/or Blue Cross companies that collectively provide coverage to 88.8 million people – nearly one in three Americans. Regence is the largest health insurer in the Northwest/Mountain State Region, which operates Blue Shield/Blue Cross plans in Idaho, Oregon, Utah and Washington. For more information, visit our Web site at www.id.regence.com.
