Walk Your Way to Better Health on National Walk @ Lunch Day

Wellmark Blue Cross and Blue Shield is supporting National Walk @ Lunch Day, a program created to increase personal health and decrease the costs of health care for employers and employees. Wellmark is encouraging employers to host lunchtime walks on Wednesday, April 30, 2008, to inspire employees to take steps toward better health.

Participation is easy. Wellmark, along with businesses large and small throughout Iowa and South Dakota, encourage employees to wear comfortable shoes on Wednesday, April 30, and participate in a company-sponsored walk at lunchtime. The walk will:

• Provide a good chance to exercise during the work day
• Offer an opportunity to learn more about the benefits of walking each day

National Walk @ Lunch Day is an extension of WalkingWorks^®, a Blue-company program created to help consumers live healthier lives and reduce unnecessary medical costs due to physical inactivity. The WalkingWorks program was developed with the President’s Council on Physical Fitness and Sports.

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. Getting 30 minutes of moderate physical activity like a brisk walk at least five times a week, has significant health benefits, such as:

• Lowering the risk of developing or dying from cardiovascular disease, hypertension, or type 2 diabetes
• Improving the health of muscles, bones and joints

Physical activity is vital to the well-being of all Americans. National Walk @ Lunch Day is an opportunity for Americans to carve time out of their busy schedules to exercise and build a healthier community and country. Join us on Wednesday, April 30, to begin walking toward a healthier America – and a healthier you.

To help you promote your National Walk @ Lunch Day campaign, download these support materials:

• National Walk @ Lunch Day Checklist
• National Walk @ Lunch Logo
• Overview
• Fact Sheet
• Email Invite Copy
• Backdrop Banner
• Inclement Weather Plan
• Employee Letter
• Nutrition Guide
• Participant Certificates
• Employer News Release
• Employer Op-Ed
• Internal Challenge E-mail
• Posters
• President Fitness Guide
• Table Tents
• Walking Path Signs

Copyright© 2008 Wellmark, Inc. All Rights Reserved.
Wellmark Blue Cross and Blue Shield is an Independent Licensee of the Blue Cross and Blue Shield Association doing business in Iowa and South Dakota. Blue Cross®, Blue Shield®, and the Cross® and Shield® symbols are registered marks of the Blue Cross and Blue Shield Association, an Association of Independent Blue Cross and Blue Shield Plans.