BlueCross BlueShield Teams with Art on Wheels

BlueCross Blueshield Teams with Art on Wheels to Launch 'Walking Works' Health Initiative
Employees venture out on first walks in new program this afternoon
June 24, 2003

Nearly 100 employees from BlueCross BlueShield of Western New York will be stepping out this afternoon on a portion of the Art On Wheels arts trail to kick off the companyís new Walking Works program, a major initiative geared toward creating healthier people through healthier habits.

The first group of BlueCross BlueShield employees will leave at 4 pm from the companyís headquarters on Main Street near Delevan Avenue in Buffalo following remarks from State Assembly Majority Leader Paul A. Tokasz and Beth Lasky, Director of Community Relations for BlueCross BlueShield of Western New York. All participants will be wearing Art On Wheels T-shirts and will be equipped with pedometers to measure their walk, which will be approximately 3.5 miles and include five sites on the Art On Wheels arts trail ñ Forest Lawn Cemetery, Delaware Park Rose Garden, Albright-Knox Art Gallery, Rockwell Hall at Buffalo State College and the H.H. Richardson Towers.

There are simple things that you can do every day to increase your fitness level, improve your health and reduce your risk of serious illness. Park in the farthest spot, take the stairs instead of the escalator or turn off the television and take a walk with your family. The common link with all of these activities is walking. Walking is one of the simplest and safest ways to improve your health. You just need walking shoes and 30 minutes each day. In fact, the President's Council on Physical Fitness and Sports recommends 30 minutes or more of brisk walking to maintain a basic level of fitness.

That's why HealthNow is launching a 3-year walking program, offered through the BlueCross BlueShield Association (BCBSA), called WalkingWorks. HealthNow is committed to motivating people to walk by introducing this program to all employees and subscribers. The choices you make today, like 30 minutes of walking each day, can help reduce the likelihood of serious illness down the road. It's up to you to make Every Step Count and remember - WalkingWorks!

BlueCross BlueShield of Western New York is a sponsor of Art On Wheels and provided the walking and
biking itineraries that are included on the map enclosed with the Art On Wheels passport. This new program is another way that BlueCross BlueShield is supporting this innovative public art project while encouraging healthy alternatives for all people in Western New York.

Art On Wheels consists of 57 new works of art located at the regionís leading cultural and heritage attractions. It includes more than 30 art cars, which are automobiles that have been painted, sculpted onto or enhanced in some way, and original sculptures created from recycled and found materials. The unique path from site to site creates a dual effect ñ a chance to see an exciting and original outdoor art trail while also building a complete cultural tourism experience for residents and visitors alike.

Art On Wheels is presented by M & T Bank and organized by the Burchfield-Penney Art Center and the Materials Reuse Project in partnership with The Buffalo News. Find out more by visiting us on the web at www.artonwheels.org. You can purchase a passport at all Western New York Wegmans or at selected Art On Wheels sites. It will be the most fun you will have on (or off) four wheels.



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