Walk, Run, Shimmy, Shake: BlueCross BlueShield Healthy Flash Mob Demonstrates That's "All It Takes"

BUFFALO, N.Y., Aug. 15, 2011 /PRNewswire/ -- Do one thing; it's all it takes. This is the theme of BlueCross BlueShield of Western New York's innovative healthy flash mob that performed at the Erie County Fair. Volunteers from all over the community quietly joined forces to learn a choreographed routine, full of stunts and high energy moves, that communicated a healthier lifestyle starts with one 'thing' at a time.

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The healthy flash mob danced to original music sung by local legends -- Lance Diamond and Nikki Hicks. Watch and listen to it here: http://tinyurl.com/HealthyChangesEverythingVideo.

The stunt began with one dancer who was quickly joined by others. Within seconds, more than 100 dancers and community volunteers began to shake, shimmy, hula hoop, twirl and boogie their way to delivering a simple truth: healthy changes everything. The theme has become a local anthem for breaking down the barriers often faced by people interested in improving their health.

"You don't have to go to the gym five days a week to live a healthier life," said Gretchen Fierle, chief communications officer, BlueCross BlueShield of Western New York. "Improving your health can begin by getting more sleep, laughing with neighbors, playing fetch with your dog, or dancing with your friends. Our healthy flash mob is a perfect example of how one healthy action can lead to a healthy movement for both individuals and the community as a whole."

The healthy flash performed three times at the Erie County Fair on Sunday, August 14. The stunt was part of a larger initiative by BlueCross BlueShield of WNY to create a healthier community. Katie Walh of Walh Studios choreographed the healthy flash mob. Adell's School of Dance, Verve Dance Studio and In Good Company Theatre performed, alongside community volunteers. To learn more about BCBS of WNY, go to: www.bcbswny.com.

More about BlueCross BlueShield of WNY

BlueCross BlueShield of Western New York is a division of HealthNow New York Inc., one of New York's leading healthcare companies that provides innovative benefit solutions for members throughout Upstate New York. Headquartered in Buffalo, the company's revenues exceeded $2.4 billion in 2010.

SOURCE BlueCross BlueShield of Western New York