WalkingWorks Structured Walk #2
Contact: Helen Stojic 313-225-8113
Jon Ogar 517-322-4320
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
WalkingWorks Walk Clinic at Genesee Valley Center on Saturday, Feb. 26
Don’t let winter weather stop you from enjoying the health benefits of walking
DETROIT, Feb. 23, 2005—Too cold or icy to walk outside? Then take advantage of a walk clinic this Saturday, Feb. 26 at Genesee Valley Center.
Blue Cross Blue Shield of Michigan, Blue Care Network and Genesee Valley Center are teaming up to sponsor walk clinics indoors at the mall. The clinic will be held from 8 to 10 a.m., and walkers should use the mall entrance near J.C. Penney where registration tables will be set up. Another walk clinic at Genesee Valley Center will be held during the same time period on Saturday, March 26.
The clinics are part of the Blues’ WalkingWorks program, a national program adopted by a majority of the 40 Blue Cross Blue Shield plans across the nation to help Americans increase their level of physical activity. A majority of Michigan adults (53 percent) reported in 2002 that they do not meet recommended levels of physical activity (30 minutes a day for five or more days a week). In the same year, 62 percent of Michigan adults were either overweight or obese. According to some reports, Michigan has the third highest obesity rate in the nation.
Walkers must register at the mall for the event and sign a waiver. Every walker will receive a free walking kit that includes a WalkingWorks T-shirt and shoelaces, walker guide and walking log.
In addition to the walks at Genesee Valley Center, all walkers will be encouraged to walk at least three days per week for two miles or 30 minutes each day. Walkers can choose their own walking routes, and will record their walking information in their logs.
Walkers will have their names entered into a drawing for gift certificates at the mall. There also will be free blood pressure and fat analysis screenings conducted by Blue Care Network volunteers. People who turn in their screening evaluation cards will receive a free “Keep the Beat” Heart Healthy Recipes cookbook provided by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services.
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For more information, call the Michigan Blues Community Affairs hotline at 1-800-733-BLUE (2583) or e-mail walkingworks@bcbsm.com.
Blue Cross Blue Shield of Michigan is a nonprofit health care company that provides or administers health care coverage to nearly 4.8 million members through a variety of health care options — Traditional Blue Cross Blue Shield, Blue Preferred and Community Blue PPOs, Blue Choice Point of Service and Blue Care Network of Michigan HMO. Blue Cross Blue Shield of Michigan and Blue Care Network of Michigan are nonprofit corporations and independent licensees of the Blue Cross and Blue Shield Association.
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