Anthem Blue Cross and Blue Shield in Missouri and Radio Disney's 'Get Active Get Fit!' Program Targets Childhood Obesity in State

ST. LOUIS, Sept. 21 /PRNewswire/ -- Missouri schools have until Friday, Oct. 1, to join the Radio Disney "Get Active Get Fit!" challenge sponsored by Anthem Blue Cross and Blue Shield in Missouri.  The program encourages an active lifestyle for kids, and serves as an outlet to promote healthy living and the fun and entertaining ways it can be achieved.  The program will be implemented in Missouri elementary schools beginning Oct. 4 and run through Nov. 27.

According to the 2007 National Survey of Children's Health, 31 percent of Missouri's children are considered overweight or obese. Missouri ranks near the middle of the nation, 27th, in the number of overweight and obese children.

Designed to motivate kids and families to achieve fitness together by engaging in fun activities, the "Get Active Get Fit!" school challenge will award Radio Disney Dance Parties in Missouri to the top 20 schools with the highest percentage of participation. In addition, the first five superintendents to sign up the schools in their district for the school challenge through Oct. 1 will be eligible to win new gym equipment valued at $500 for a school in their district.  

"Not only are we committed, but we are obligated to educate our members and the community, especially our kids, on ways to be healthy," commented Dennis Matheis, president, Anthem Blue Cross and Blue Shield in Missouri. "There is a staggering statistic that says only 3 percent of Americans adhere to the four key healthy behaviors: not smoking, maintaining a healthy weight, eating right, and exercising regularly. Anthem looks forward to continuing innovative programs like 'Get Active Get Fit!' to enhance the lives of our members and the health of our communities."

For more information about the program being offered free of charge to school districts in the Anthem Blue Cross and Blue Shield in Missouri service area, please call 314-428-4023 or visit www.getactivegetfit.com. School districts can register on the website.

About Anthem Blue Cross and Blue Shield in Missouri

In Missouri (excluding 30 counties in the Kansas City area) Anthem Blue Cross and Blue Shield is the trade name for RightCHOICE® Managed Care, Inc. (RIT), Healthy Alliance® Life Insurance Company (HALIC), and HMO Missouri, Inc. RIT and certain affiliates administer non-HMO benefits underwritten by HALIC and HMO benefits underwritten by HMO Missouri, Inc. RIT and certain affiliates only provide administrative services for self-funded plans and do not underwrite benefits. Independent licensees of the Blue Cross and Blue Shield Association. ®ANTHEM is a registered trademark of Anthem Insurance Companies, Inc. The Blue Cross and Blue Shield names and symbols are registered marks of the Blue Cross Blue Shield Association. Additional information about Anthem Blue Cross and Blue Shield in Missouri is available at www.anthem.com

About Radio Disney

Radio Disney is the #1, 24-hour radio network devoted to kids, tweens and families.  Kids help pick the music that is played and are encouraged to interact via a toll-free phone line to the Radio Disney studio. The network's current playlist, driven by listener requests and representing major record labels, includes recording artists Miley Cyrus, Hannah Montana, Jonas Brothers, Taylor Swift, Demi Lovato, David Archuleta, Jordin Sparks and Mitchel Musso.  The network is available on 49 terrestrial radio stations and is also available via RadioDisney.com, Sirius and XM satellite radio, iTunes Radio Tuner, XM/DIRECTV, mobile phones and on its all new Radio Disney iPhone App.

SOURCE Anthem Blue Cross and Blue Shield in Missouri