Nourishing Arizona Week Encourages Arizonans To Eat Healthy

Initiative Underscores the Link Between Healthy Food and Healthy Communities

News provided by

Nov 01, 2017, 10:00 ET

PHOENIX, Nov. 1, 2017 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- Availability, convenience, price – these are just a few reasons that influence what Arizonans eat during the day. What people choose can have a dramatic impact on their overall well-being and whether or not they develop long-term health issues, such as obesity and diabetes.

Arizonans struggle to get healthy food and make sound nutritional choices. More than 65 percent of Arizona residents are overweight, according to the Centers for Disease Control. Additionally, more than 28 percent of Arizonans drink one soda per day, which alone exceeds daily sugar limits.

So Arizonans understand the negative impact the lack of healthy food can have on our communities, Arizona Governor Doug Ducey declared Nov. 4-11 as Nourishing Arizona Week, marked by a formal proclamation. The weeklong initiative, established by Blue Cross Blue Shield of Arizona features public events throughout the state and is part of the company's Nourishing Arizona program. Nourishing Arizona Week is a reminder of the importance of making nutritional food choices, which can prevent and often reverse chronic conditions and nutrition-related diseases.

Nourishing Arizona Week kicks-off with a community Sugar Swap event on Nov. 4 at the Uptown Farmers Market from 9 a.m. - 1 p.m. Individuals can swap sugary treats, with more than seven grams of sugar, for $5 Homegrown Healthy bucks that can be used to purchase fresh fruits and vegetables at the market.

"On average, Americans consume more than 22 teaspoons of sugar a day, about three times as much as is recommended – contributing to weight struggles, chronic diseases and serious health issues," said Dr. James Napoli, senior medical director at Blue Cross Blue Shield of Arizona. "Our Sugar Swap initiative is a reminder to take hold of your health through increased awareness of healthy eating habits and better food choices that start at home."

The weeklong initiative also includes a Sugar Swap at Meet Me Downtown's 3^rd Birthday Bash, cooking demonstrations at Gregory's Fresh Market, and nutrition education activities with the City of Phoenix and Girl Scouts – Arizona Cactus-Pine Council.

To learn more about Nourishing Arizona Week 2017, visit nourishingarizona.com.

About Blue Cross Blue Shield of Arizona
Blue Cross Blue Shield of Arizona (BCBSAZ) is committed to helping Arizonans get healthier faster and stay healthier longer. With a focus on connecting people with the care they need, BCBSAZ offers health insurance and related services to nearly 1.5 million customers. BCBSAZ, a not-for-profit company, is an independent licensee of the Blue Cross Blue Shield Association. The company employs nearly 1,500 people in its Phoenix, Chandler, Flagstaff and Tucson offices. Through advanced clinical programs and community outreach, BCBSAZ is moving health forward. To learn more, visit azblue.com.

SOURCE Blue Cross Blue Shield of Arizona