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P.O. Box 2078 Madison, Wisconsin 53701-2078 www.pplusic.com (608) 282-8900 (800) 545-5015 |
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Press Release Archive November 9, 2006 Physicians Plus Leads the Charge for Families to Embrace the Cold Releases List of Top Active-Minded Gifts to Inspire and Help Kids Get Out and Get “WinterActive”Wisconsinites are a strong people and we are proud of it. This is a state where middle-aged men grill out in the middle of winter wearing shorts, and we don’t bat an eye about driving our car in a blizzard or waiting 30 years for Packers’ season tickets. So why should we continue to let south-central Wisconsin parents and kids use the excuse that Wisconsin’s cold weather prevents them from being active? Physicians Plus is dedicated to liberating kids from the injustice of preconceived notions about winter and showing them a wonderland of activity. Physicians Plus has become a leader in the fight against childhood overweight and obesity -- and the associated health risks -- with innovative and preventive initiatives like the Physicians Plus GO Get Out campaign that rewards kids for being active. Its mission to get kids out and active is important all year, but never more important than during long Wisconsin winters. A research study by the National Institutes of Health (NIH) shows that 75% of all weight gained by adults in the U.S. is between November and January – a shocking statistic for kids to grow into. And a Montana State University Researcher found that kids burn half as many calories during the winter compared to warmer months. Physicians Plus is making a special effort to remind grownups that there is a wonderland of winter activity around them and that the holidays are the perfect time to introduce kids to it all. Physicians Plus looked at trends, talked with pediatricians and went shopping to develop a unique list of suggested gifts that will get kids jumping, sliding and running. “A great way to get kids moving this winter is by giving gifts that make being active fun so that exercising doesn’t seem like a chore,” says Kathryne Auerback, Director of Marketing for Physicians Plus. “Just imagine how your kids will use the gifts. Will they be running around? If so, that’s perfect. If playing with the game or toy means just sitting for long periods of time – well, less of that is better!” “Getting kids off the couch can be a huge challenge, especially in the cold weather,” says Dr. Aaron Carrel, Lead Physician Pediatric Obesity and Fitness UW Children’s Hospital. “A key to success in this effort is to get parents to lead by example and giving a gift that will get and keep kids active is a great way to start.” Physicians Plus’ Get Out Get “WinterActive” campaign is just the program to inspire families and kids to embrace winter and get kids “WinterActive” through incredible activities that are fun and will foster healthy lifestyles in south-central Wisconsin. Encouraging families to choose active gifts this holiday season is just one way Physicians Plus is turning the tide on childhood overweight and obesity. In addition to this list of active gifts, visit www.HealthyChoicesBigRewards.com to find out about the innovative GO Get Out program developed by Physicians Plus that targets kids 12 and under. GO Get Out gives ideas, motivation and rewards to kids that get active year round. Physicians Plus believes kids, parents and the community can team up not only to get healthier this holiday, but for a lifetime. 10 Great Gift Ideas to Make Kids GO! |