Idaho Lawmakers Kick Off "Steps for Schools" to Bring Awareness to Children's Health
This February, Idaho state legislators are walking to bring awareness to children's health as part of High Five Children's Health Collaborative's Steps for Schools Challenge.
- Boise City, ID (1888PressRelease) February 03, 2017 - Dozens of Idaho state legislators are stepping up to bring awareness to children's health as part of High Five Children's Health Collaborative's Steps for Schools Challenge, which rallies legislators to increase - and count - their steps throughout February.
The Challenge, now in its third year, invites lawmakers to wear a FitBit fitness measurement device as they walk between meetings and hearings, as well as after hours. Those who mark an average of 10,000 steps a day during the month of February will earn funding for physical activity equipment or walking programs at schools in their legislative district. Legislators with the highest step counts will earn $3,000, $2,000 and $1,000 respectively. The funding comes from High Five, an initiative of the Blue Cross of Idaho Foundation for Health created to promote and encourage better health for all Idahoans through wellness and prevention programs.
"Legislators have really stepped up to be a positive influence in their communities," said Kendra Witt-Doyle, Blue Cross of Idaho Foundation for Health Executive Director. "The simple act of increasing their activity and sharing their story with their constituents will inspire thousands of people to get more active and improve their health. It's a powerful way to give back and promote healthy habits in our children."
Though designed as a friendly competition, Steps for Schools has led to significant results. Last year's Steps for Schools top finishers, Rep. Steve Harris (R - Meridian), Sen. Roy Lacey (D - Pocatello), and Rep. Mat Erpelding (D - Boise), combined to walk more than 2.5 million steps in just 28 days and thousands of dollars donated to local schools.
This year, in addition to their daily walking activity, legislators will join children from local schools on February 22 at 12:15pm to walk around the Capitol.
"Idaho has some of the highest childhood obesity rates in the country," Witt-Doyle said. "Steps for Schools provides a fun, engaging way to get them and our leaders moving, ultimately making a positive impact on their health and the health of our state."
About the High Five Children's Health Collaborative
High Five Children's Health Collaborative is an initiative of the Blue Cross of Idaho Foundation for Health. High Five is a statewide effort that engages Idahoans to reduce childhood obesity. High Five Idaho is working with partners and grant-winning cities to promote healthy communities around the state, as well as with legislators through the Steps for Schools Challenge.
More information is available at www.highfiveidaho.org.
About the Blue Cross of Idaho Foundation for Health
The Blue Cross of Idaho Foundation for Health, Inc., is a nonprofit charitable foundation established in 2001 by Blue Cross of Idaho. The creation of the Foundation stemmed from our desire to improve the health of all Idahoans through wellness and prevention programs.
To promote a healthier Idaho, the Foundation engages in collaborative partnerships, health programs and community giving. We are committed to addressing Idaho's health needs. A 501(c)(3) organization that serves Idaho, the Blue Cross of Idaho Foundation for Health is an independent licensee of the Blue Cross Blue Shield Association.
More information is available at www.bcidahofoundation.org
Contacts:
Kendra Witt-Doyle, Executive Director
Blue Cross of Idaho Foundation
kendra.witt-doyle ( @ ) bcidaho dot com
(208) 861-5273
Travis Franklin
Reynolds+Myers
travis ( @ ) reynoldsandmyers dot com
(208) 936-0216
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