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July 15, 2006
Green Bay Packer Legends Rally Kids with Autographs for Action Event at Kids’ Day at the Zoo
Physicians Plus Insurance Corp. Warms Up for Second Year of Campaign Against Childhood Obesity
Physicians Plus Insurance Corporation is wrapping up the first year of its innovative “GO Get Out!” campaign, targeting kids in the Dane County region. The campaign was developed in light of alarming studies that showed obesity rates have more than doubled in the past 30 years among children aged two to five and more than tripled among kids six to 11. The GO campaign launched one year ago and has been a major success. About 10,000 kids have taken part in GO activities and are healthier for it.
Riding the success of the first year, Physicians Plus will kick off year two with a high-profile event at the Henry Vilas Zoo on Saturday, July 29, that will feature Green Bay Packers legends Gilbert Brown, Santana Dotson, Brian Williams and Gary Ellerson. These star athletes will challenge kids to perform simple exercises in exchange for autographs.
“I can’t wait to participate!” said Santana Dotson, a former Green Bay Packers player with a reputation for being in top shape. “It will be fun to encourage kids and use my autograph for a good cause.” Commemorating the ten-year anniversary of the Packers winning the Super Bowl, these “Lords of the Rings” will be sharing stories and motivating kids in support of the GO campaign.
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, a major contributor to the growing obesity epidemic is the increase of sedentary lifestyles, which also enhances the risk of increasing diseases and health conditions such as hypertension, type 2 diabetes, coronary heart disease, strokes and some cancers. The CDC also reports that more than half of young people are not active on a regular basis and that more than a third of kids under six have a TV or computer in their bedroom.
“Kids may be turned off to fitness if they think the only way to exercise is a complicated and strenuous routine,” said Dr. Ron Parton, chief medical officer for Physicians Plus. “The truth is, adding aerobic activity into your daily routine starts gradually. The most important thing is that they just start moving.”
The campaign from Physicians Plus, with the help of over 15 community partners, targets sedentary kids with incentives for getting out of the house. The centerpiece of the campaign is the GO Passport, available at 1-866-GO GET OUT, www.HealthyChoicesBigRewards.com or by visiting a participating business partner. The GO Passport includes a list of activities around the home and the community. Kids can have their parents sign the page or receive a GO stamp from the participating partner upon completion. Activities range from taking a walk with their parents to visiting the Henry Vilas Zoo. Once a child earns the minimum number of stamps, they return the passport for a chance to win a prize, including a Rainbow Play Systems backyard structure, Schwinn bikes for the whole family or a family vacation. Kids can earn stamps through participation in a wide range of activities including playing in their own backyards or attending an event like Autographs for Action.
“There are so many complicated and expensive ideas floating around of how to address the childhood obesity epidemic,” said Kathryne Auerback, director of marketing for Physicians Plus. “We are thrilled to provide something so simple and fun, but most importantly, it is actually helping kids and families enjoy results.” Over 10,000 passports were distributed to Madison area youth and just as many will be in circulation for year two.
“Physicians Plus is committed to improving the health of this community,” said Dr. Parton. “GO Get Out! gives us the opportunity to be proactive by helping community members take better care of themselves. It is our hope that families will take advantage of everything GO has to offer.”
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