Blue Shield of California Employees Lace Up for National Workplace Fitness Effort

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Apr 27, 2010, 10:00 ET

Employees Participate in Fourth Annual National Walk @ Lunch Dayon April 28th

LODI, Calif., April 27 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- Hundreds of Blue Shield of California employees are lacing up their sneakers, strapping on a pedometer, and joining thousands of workers at Blue Cross and Blue Shield health plans across the country in the fourth annual National Walk @ Lunch Day®. The walk encourages people to take time during their lunch breaks to start walking for better health. National Walk @ Lunch Day will take place on April 28th between 10:30 am to 1:30 pm at 18 Blue Shield offices throughout the state. In Lodi, the walk begins at the Blue Shield Lodi office at 3021 Reynolds Ranch Parkway.

"Walking is a simple way for everyone to improve their health and well being," said Bruce Bodaken, president & CEO of Blue Shield of California. "By participating in this national event, not only are we continuing our commitment to improving the health and well-being of our employees, but we're also raising awareness that everyone should step up and take time out to improve their health."

This year's National Walk @ Lunch Day kicks off a new walking program that encourages Blue Shield employees to start tracking their walking progress over time. Participating Blue Shield employees receive a free pedometer to track their steps, and can log their progress using an online tool provided by WalkingWorks®. The walking program is part of Wellvolution, Blue Shield's employee wellness program that promotes and rewards healthy choices.

Most Americans' schedules are built around their workdays, so National Walk @ Lunch Day is designed to fit into – not compete with – their daily routine. Last year, the event drew tens of thousands of participants in all 50 states, the District of Columbia and Puerto Rico. In Lodi, about 400 people are expected to participate in the walk.

Simply getting 30 minutes of moderate physical activity, such as a brisk walk, at least five times a week has significant health benefits, lowering the risk of developing or dying from cardiovascular disease, hypertension or type 2 diabetes, and improving the health of muscles, bones and joints.

About National Walk @ Lunch Day

The national walking effort is a component of WalkingWorks®, a Blue Cross and Blue Shield Association physical activity program to help Americans live healthier lives and reduce unnecessary medical costs due to physical inactivity. The WalkingWorks® program was developed in partnership with the Presidents Council on Physical Fitness and Sports.

About Blue Shield

Blue Shield of California, an independent member of the Blue Cross Blue Shield Association, is a not-for-profit health plan with 3.4 million members, 4,800 employees, one of the largest provider networks; it offers a wide range of commercial and government products throughout the state. Blue Shield of California has contributed more than $125 million over the past four years to the Blue Shield of California Foundation -- which this year was named one of BusinessWeek's top 20 most generous corporate foundations. Contact your local agent or broker for more information about Blue Shield products and services, or visit the Blue Shield web site at www.blueshieldca.com.

CONTACT:

Mary Taing

Corporate Communications Associate

(415) 229-5627

[email protected]

SOURCE Blue Shield of California