Anthem Blue Cross Blue Shield Foundation Awards $50,000 Grant to Promote Healthier St. Louisans through Small Changes for Health Campaign

(3BL Media) St. Louis, MO – May 1, 2012 – Anthem Blue Cross Blue Shield Foundation awarded a $50,000 grant to the City of St. Louis Department of Health to enhance and spread the Small Changes for Health (SCFH) program throughout the City. The City of St. Louis Department of Health in partnership with Anthem Blue Cross and Blue Shield Foundation and Apple Vacations will promote healthier lifestyles through its 2012 version of the Small Changes for Health program.  Small Changes for Health is a computer based, behavior modification program designed to help participants “try out” healthy behaviors and adopt the ones that help them achieve healthier lifestyles.  Physical activity is a major component in maintaining a healthy body.  Small Changes for Health will progressively build up the capacity to be physically active and, in the process, promote better overall health.  Participants in Small Changes for Health will be qualified to win prizes such as iTunes Gift Cards, 8 GB iPod nanos, and a four-night trip for 2 to the Riu Palace Peninsula in Cancun, Mexico, courtesy of Apple Vacations.

The 2012 version of SCFH is a 26-week program that will begin on Tuesday, May 1, 2012. It has physical activity as a key focus to tie in with St. Louis being a Let’s Move! City under First Lady Michelle Obama’s national program. It will be open to all city employees through Anthem Blue Cross and Blue Shield Foundation, but city residents can participate, too. As before, participants will pledge to try each weekly activity and complete the program.  They will report their progress and follow-up during and at the end of the program. Participants will receive information to assist them in completing that weekly activity.  Participation incentives will be provided and prizes will be awarded to those individuals making the most progress during the 26 weeks. The goal is to have those individuals who completed the program doing 30 minutes of physical activity most days of the week and engaging in muscle strengthening activity at least 2 days a week. We also expect them to be more knowledgeable about their physical health.  Go to www.smallchangesforhealth.com

If you have additional questions regarding this program, please contact Warren Nichols, City of St. Louis Department of Health, at 314/657-1485, or Libby Nolan, Emmis Communications, at 314/613-7726.