Anthem Blue Cross and the California Governor's Council on Physical Fitness and Sports Launch Live Like a Champion Tour

THOUSAND OAKS, Calif., Sept. 4 /PRNewswire/ -- Anthem Blue Cross, collaborating for a third year with the California Governor's Council on Physical Fitness and Sports, is launching a 15-week statewide mobile outreach campaign designed to get children moving and empower them to make healthy lifestyle choices now and in the future. The Anthem Blue Cross Live Like a Champion Tour will launch at Ventura County's Lemon Fest on Saturday, September 6th from 11:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.
The Anthem Blue Cross Live Like a Champion Tour brings interactive games and challenging sports-themed activities to help children bring out their "inner champion." The tour is traveling to local community and special events, YMCAs, Boys and Girls Clubs and other after-school program locations in 10 cities throughout California. Special effort is focused on reaching out to the state's underserved communities.
According to the California Health & Human Services Agency, approximately one in three children in California is overweight or obese. In addition, almost 40 percent of school-aged children are physically unfit. "Encouraging healthy eating and activity routines is a great strategy to help children stay healthy. Research shows regular physical activity during childhood and adolescence helps build healthier bones and muscles and increases self-esteem," said Harvinder Sareen, PhD, Director of Clinical Programs, Anthem Blue Cross.
"As the state's largest health insurance provider, Anthem Blue Cross recognizes its responsibility to respond to the growing epidemic of childhood obesity. We are committed to addressing the issue and empowering families and communities to adopt healthier lifestyles," said Leslie A. Margolin, President of Anthem Blue Cross.
A select group of Governor's Council celebrity athletes lend its support to the Live Like a Champion Tour to help raise awareness and promote physical fitness for all Californians. They serve as role models and share their favorite exercises, fruits and vegetables on life-size posters throughout the event-site. "Governor Schwarzenegger and I want to inspire young people across the state to get moving and feel the benefits associated with eating right, staying active and having fun," said Jake Steinfeld, chairman of the Governor's Council on Physical Fitness and Sports. "Through innovative campaigns like the Live Like a Champion Tour and the Governor's Challenge, we hope to encourage children to develop healthy habits now and in the future."

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