Unflappable Aflac Duck Pumps Some Iron on Road to Recovery

COLUMBUS, Ga., March 29, 2013 /PRNewswire/ -- Aflac, the number one provider of supplemental insurance in the United States, is debuting the latest in a series of television commercials that chronicle the Aflac Duck's journey through dealing with an unexpected injury. The new ad, called Physical Therapy, highlights how his Aflac policies have enabled the Aflac Duck to focus on the gains of recovery, knowing that Aflac helps protect him from the financial pain that an unexpected injury or illness can cause.

A special 60 second version of Physical Therapy will debut Monday night during the NBC telecast of The Voice, which airs from 8 p.m. to 10 p.m. EDT. Going forward, the company will air a 30 second version of the commercial on national and local television outlets. The current campaign, which began in January, has been a hit with consumers.

"Since launching Press Conference in January, nearly 35,000 people have sent a get well card to the Aflac Duck and thousands more have visited Aflac.com to use our new, innovative and educational Real Cost Calculator tool," Aflac Executive Vice President, Chief Marketing and Sales Officer Michael Zuna said. "This integrated campaign is reaching our core audiences in a fun, yet serious way, demonstrating why Aflac policies are a vital part of any financial plan."

In Physical Therapy, the Aflac Duck and his highly motivational therapist are working out in the gym, helping the Duck recover from a lengthy hospital stay that has kept him on the sidelines and out of work. The ad uses humorous scenes of the Aflac Duck being pushed to the limits showing that while the adage "No Pain, No Gain" may be true in the gym, you can mitigate financial pain as long as you are protected by Aflac policies. 

In addition to the new television commercial, Aflac is also launching the latest social media integrations for consumers to participate in the campaign. Beginning Monday, the Aflac Duck's Facebook page will offer games like caption contests and special "workouts" of the week.  The Facebook page will also offer weekly clues to unlock a new microsite at ducktherapy.com. This site will contain additional content, including entertaining and shareable videos, images and the 60 second version of Physical Therapy, which will run once during NBC's The Voice, and then be available only online. Content for the online programs will be updated weekly.

"The Aflac Duck and our brand is not an image, it is an experience," Zuna said. "Physical Therapy and this interactive social integration are reminding consumers why they fell in love with the Aflac Duck more than 10 years ago and why Aflac remains a household name."

Physical Therapy will run on all networks and cable outlets including ESPN, USA, TNT, HLN, CNN and others. To download the 60 second version of Physical Therapy in Windows Media Format, please click here or in QuickTime please click here. To download the 30 second version of Physical Therapy in Windows Media Format please click here or in QuickTime, please click here.

To study the out-of-pocket medical and household costs associated with an individual or family member who is injured or diagnosed with an illness – even with major medical insurance, check out Aflac's Real Cost Calculator, an innovative online tool that helps consumers understand the costs associated with common illnesses and injuries such as cancer, heart attack, fractured limbs and others.

About Aflac
When a policyholder gets sick or hurt, Aflac pays cash benefits fast. For nearly six decades, Aflac insurance policies have given policyholders the opportunity to focus on recovery, not financial stress. In the United States, Aflac is the number one provider of guaranteed-renewable insurance. In Japan, Aflac is the number one life insurance company in terms of individual policies in force. Aflac individual and group insurance products provide protection to more than 50 million people worldwide. For seven consecutive years, Aflac has been recognized by Ethisphere magazine as one of the World's Most Ethical Companies. In 2013, FORTUNE magazine recognized Aflac as one of the 100 Best Companies to Work For in America for the 15th consecutive year. Also, in 2013, FORTUNE magazine included Aflac on its list of Most Admired Companies for the 12th time, ranking the company number one in the life and health insurance category. Aflac Incorporated is a Fortune 500 company listed on the New York Stock Exchange under the symbol AFL. To find out more about Aflac, visit aflac.com or espanol.aflac.com.

Aflac herein means American Family Life Assurance Company of Columbus and American Family Life Assurance Company of New York.

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SOURCE Aflac