CHAPEL HILL, N.C. – NC Prevention Partners has honored Blue Cross and Blue Shield of North Carolina (BCBSNC) for its successful efforts to promote healthy weight, good nutrition and regular physical activity for its members.  The company received the group’s 2007 NC Prevention Award for Preventive Benefits Excellence. 
 
BCBSNC offers comprehensive benefits and programs to help members achieve and maintain a healthy weight. In 2005, BCBSNC became the first health insurer in the nation to cover physician visits related to the evaluation and treatment of obesity, among other benefit and program changes to promote healthy weight. The company also began covering members’ nutrition counseling visits with registered, licensed dietitians. 
 
“With two-thirds of our membership overweight or obese, we saw a real need to help our members lose weight, improve their lifestyle habits and to avoid illnesses that stem from poor nutrition and physical inactivity,” said Dr. Don Bradley, BCBSNC senior vice president and chief medical officer.  “Our initial results are encouraging, and we’re honored by the recognition from NC Prevention Partners.”
 
Initial adult participants in a BCBSNC healthy weight program have been successful in reducing weight and reducing their health risks.  Out of those participants, 46 percent lost weight,  with an average loss of 9 pounds.  There was also a significant increase in physical activity and lowered blood pressure. Beginning this year, BCBSNC extended additional benefits and programs for children designed to promote good nutrition and physical activity.
 
Annually, NC Prevention Partners recognizes individuals, businesses and groups across North Carolina, active in preventing diseases and other conditions that result from physical inactivity, poor nutrition and tobacco use.
 
 
About NC Prevention Partners:
NC Prevention Partners, a non-profit organization, has the unique mission of “putting prevention first for a healthier North Carolina.”  NCPP is building prevention systems to improve the health of North Carolinians through its three-fold strategy of fostering partnerships, influencing policy and promoting prevention.  In addition, with its partners, NCPP has developed programs, such as the Winner’s Circle Healthy Dining Program, Quit Now NC! and the Healthy Hospital Initiative.  NCPP reaches over 3,000 health organizations, public health leaders, health care professionals, businesses, hospitals, health insurance plans, regulators, public officials, consumers and voluntary health associations.  To learn more visit ncpreventionpartners.org
 
About Blue Cross and Blue Shield of North Carolina:
Blue Cross and Blue Shield of North Carolina is a leader in delivering innovative health care products, services and information to more than 3.5 million members, including approximately 820,000 served on behalf of other Blue Plans. For 74 years, the company has served its customers by offering health insurance at a competitive price and has served the people of North Carolina through support of community organizations, programs and events that promote good health. Blue Cross and Blue Shield of North Carolina is an independent licensee of the Blue Cross and Blue Shield Association. Access BCBSNC online at bcbsnc.com.
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