Obesity

“North Carolina businesses have shown their commitment to providing their employees with the support and tools to get fit,” said Sean Kerns, BCBSNC vice president of Specialty Markets. “Through the Get Fit Challenge, employees worked as a team to improve their fitness levels, get healthy and lose almost seven tons of weight. This effort has jump started new behaviors and habits that will help employees improve their quality of life and reduce their health care spending over time.”

“Studies show that physically active people can save $500 per year on their health care costs,[i] which is something that should get everyone’s attention,” said Brad Wilson, BCBSNC president and CEO. “By collaborating with organizations such as the North Carolina Museum of Art to support new opportunities for exercise, we’re giving North Carolinians opportunities to be active and stay healthy, which can make a real difference in their health care spending.”

IN-R-FOOD, The Walking Classroom and Sqord were chosen from 11 finalists to further develop their original, innovative ideas to reduce obesity in North Carolina. Winners will receive $20,000 from Blue Cross and Blue Shield of North Carolina. All 11...

“GO NC! will provide new ways to help increase outdoor physical activity in North Carolina,” said Brad Wilson, BCBSNC president and CEO. “Every $1 spent building biking trails and walking paths can save about $3 in medical expenses. Through GO NC!, BCBSNC hopes to improve health and reduce obesity-related medical costs in North Carolina.”

“We received a great response to our call for innovative ideas, which we hope will help improve the overall health of North Carolinians and reduce the obesity rate in North Carolina,” said Sean Kerns, BCBSNC vice president of Diversified Markets. “This challenge gave us the opportunity to tap into the vast depth of knowledge of individuals across our state to influence and impact change.”

“This challenge is not only a great opportunity for us to help impact the overall health of North Carolinians and reduce the obesity rate in North Carolina, but it also supports local companies, entrepreneurs and our economy,” said Sean Kerns, BCBSNC vice president of diversified markets. “BCBSNC supports improving the health and wellness of our state, and we are excited to collaborate with Bull City Forward, Queen City Forward and the Institute for Emerging Issues to offer this challenge.”

“The long-term benefit of this effort will extend well beyond the growing season,” said Brad Wilson, BCBSNC president and CEO. “By increasing access to healthy foods, we can all eat better, lower rates of diabetes, heart disease and obesity, and ultimately reduce the impact that unhealthy lifestyles have on our health care system.”