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American Diabetes Association Designates Blue Shield of California as Health ChampionNonprofit health plan Blue Shield of California has been designated a Health Champion by the American Diabetes Association® (Association) as part of the Association's Wellness Lives HereTM initiative. This designation recognizes companies and organizations that are committed to improving employee health and inspire and encourage wellness programs in the workplace. "For most Americans, the majority of our days are spent working sedentary jobs, so it's more important than ever for our workplaces to encourage healthful habits," said Alicia McAuliffe-Fogarty, PhD, CPsychol, Vice President Lifestyle Management for the Association. "Our Wellness Lives Here initiative is designed to provide employers across the country with a roadmap for promoting heathy habits, and we are pleased to see so many employers working to earn a Health Champion Designation." Blue Shield of California's mission is to ensure that all Californians have access to high-quality, affordable health care. In service of this mission, the nonprofit health plan is committed to improving the wellbeing of its employees and their families through its WellvolutionSM program. The wellness solution includes a comprehensive suite of in-person and digital, clinically-validated lifestyle medicine programs. "We are thrilled to be recognized as a Health Champion by the American Diabetes Association," said Bryce Williams, Vice President of Lifestyle Medicine for Blue Shield of California. "At Blue Shield, we believe that providing engaging wellbeing solutions is key to advancing our mission of ensuring all Californians have access to high-quality, affordable care." In addition to providing access to WellvolutionSM, Blue Shield has a smoke-free workplace policy, walking work stations, on-site fitness classes and flu shots at no cost for employees and spouses/partners. The cafeterias offer full salad and fruit bars, lean proteins, vegetables, low fat dairy and wole grain options. The health plan also encourages walking meetings, Walkadoo® fitness challenges and cycling to the office. "We're excited about the culture of wellness our new Health Champion has implemented in their workplace," said Andrea Bruno, Vice President West Territory for the Association. "Blue Shield of California had to meet extensive criteria with their application to receive this designation. Our community is strongest when it's healthy-everyone benefits when companies provide access to healthier food choices, promotes physical activity and encourages healthy habits at work and beyond." To qualify for the Health Champion Designation, companies and organizations must meet healthy living criteria in three areas: Nutrition and Weight Management, Physical Activity, and Organizational Well-Being. There are three application cycles annually. A complete list of the Health Champion Designees can be found at www.Diabetes.org/healthchampions. About the American Diabetes Association The American Diabetes Association is leading the fight to Stop Diabetes® and its deadly consequences and fighting for those affected by diabetes. The Association funds research to prevent, cure and manage diabetes; delivers services to hundreds of communities; provides objective and credible information; and gives voice to those denied their rights because of diabetes. Founded in 1940, the Association's mission is to prevent and cure diabetes, and to improve the lives of all people affected by diabetes. For more information, please call the American Diabetes Association at 1-800-DIABETES (1-800-342-2383) or visit www.diabetes.org. Information from both of these sources is available in English and Spanish. Find us on Facebook (News - Alert) (American Diabetes Association), Twitter (News - Alert) (@AmDiabetesAssn) and Instagram (@AmDiabetesAssn). *Sun Life Financial is the National Sponsor of the Association's Wellness Lives Here initiative, with exclusivity in the national corporate group benefits industry category. About Blue Shield of California Blue Shield of California, an independent member of the Blue Cross Blue Shield Association, is a nonprofit health plan with 4 million members, 6,800 employees and more than $17 billion in annual revenue. Founded in 1939 and headquartered in San Francisco, Blue Shield of California and its affiliates provide health, dental, vision, Medicaid and Medicare health care service plans in California. The company's mission is to ensure all Californians have access to high-quality care at an affordable price. Blue Shield has contributed more than $450 million to Blue Shield of California Foundation since 2002. Contact your local agent or broker about Blue Shield of California products and services, or visit www.blueshieldca.com. View source version on businesswire.com: http://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20171213006006/en/ |
