Blues, schools fight childhood obesity
Twenty-two elementary schools and nine community partners around Michigan have been awarded grants to implement programs that increase physical activity and improve nutrition among their student populations. The grants are part of the Blues’ 2010-2011 Building Healthy Communities: Engaging Elementary Schools and Community Partners program, BCBSM’s effort to reduce the risk and prevalence of childhood obesity.

Since 2004, Blue Cross has awarded nearly $3.4 million in Building Healthy Communities and related grant funding.

"Overweight children are at greater risk of developing a variety of costly and devastating diseases, such as diabetes, heart disease and high blood pressure," said Lynda Rossi, Blues vice president for Social Mission and Public Affairs. "Our resources and attention to this important health issue will hopefully improve quality of life and reduce overall health care costs in the future."

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, about 32 percent of children and adolescents, or 25 million, are obese or overweight today. In Michigan, 12 percent of middle school children and 15 percent of high school students are considered obese.

The Michigan Blues are also working with Detroit Lions quarterback Matthew Stafford to raise visibility and support in addressing this alarming health issue. See the videos at youtube.com/user/bcbsmnews under the Creating Healthier Communities heading at the right side of the screen.

For more details about the Building Healthy Communities program, visit bcbsm.com/buildhealth.