BLOOMFIELD, Conn., May 7, 2004 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- The modern version of the adage “An apple a day...” could very well be “10K a day keeps the doctor away.” While neither eating an apple nor ensuring you take 10,000 steps daily is the single route to good health, they remind us of the importance of a healthy diet and exercise to achieve that end.
Unfortunately, Americans need those reminders more now than ever before. A recent study shows that obesity could soon outpace tobacco use as the leading cause of preventable death in the United States, killing nearly 400,000 Americans in 2000(1). Studies also show the annual medical claims are 36 percent higher for those who are obese compared to their non-obese counterparts.(2)
To encourage physical activity, CIGNA HealthCare has added 10K-A-Day to its Healthy Rewards(R) health and wellness discount amenities program. 10K-A- Day stands for 10,000 steps a day and equates to the 30 minutes of daily physical activity recommended by the U.S. Surgeon General. The program is designed to motivate participants to reach that level on most days, even if they’re not that active now.
The program is offered through an agreement with Michigan-based Health Enhancement Systems for a one-time, nominal fee of $14.95. Participants receive a 10K-A-Day pedometer and a guidebook, as well as access to a web portal where they log their steps, watch their progress using on-line trails, and learn about the benefits of physical activity.
As of May 1, CIGNA employees and members can take the steps to increase their physical activity and improve their health by accessing the program through http://www.cigna.com/healthyrewards or by calling 1-800-870-3470. As of June 1, employer groups will also have the opportunity to customize the program for their employees and offer incentives to reward and increase participation in the program.
“I typically exercise five days a week and play tennis or bike an additional day,” said Diana Wynne, CIGNA’s Healthy Rewards(R) program project manager. “After testing the program and wearing the pedometer, I found that I walk only about 3,500 to 4,000 steps a day. Without my exercise routine, I wouldn’t come close to achieving this goal. It was an eye-opener and motivator for me. I believe it will help other individuals and will complement employers’ corporate wellness programs.”
Some large U.S. corporations have estimated an average return of $5 for every dollar invested in wellness programs and an average 2.5 percent drop in health care costs.(3)
National Physical Fitness and Sports Month
10K-A-Day is being launched during National Physical Fitness and Sports Month. In recognition of this health observance in May, CIGNA HealthCare members also can receive up to $90 towards fitness club fees through Healthy Rewards(R) and its agreement with GlobalFit.
Through Healthy Rewards(R), CIGNA HealthCare members save as much as 60 percent on fitness club fees when they select a GlobalFit network health club, which includes more than 1,500 quality fitness centers nationwide. As a special offer, members who join a fitness club through GlobalFit from May 14- 31 will receive a $30 credit towards their fees. Additional $30 credits will be earned at six months and at 12 months.
When CIGNA members sign up through Healthy Rewards(R), there are no long- term contracts as memberships run on a month-to-month basis. Other advantages include additional discounts for family members, free guest passes and the ability to freeze or transfer memberships at most locations. Members can find a health club, receive a free guest pass, and join a club through http://www.cigna.com/healthyrewards or by calling 1-800-870-3470. The GlobalFit network is available in 47 U.S. metropolitan areas and continues to grow within existing areas and into new territories.
Healthy Rewards(R) offers discounts on a variety of programs that emphasize weight management, nutrition, fitness and healthy lifestyle choices on products and services consumers use every day. Members can learn about these and other Healthy Rewards(R) programs and locate providers and vendors through the website or by calling the toll-free number.
From Jan. 1, 2001 to June 30, 2003, more than 50,000 CIGNA members have saved $5.6 million through Healthy Rewards(R) on fitness club memberships, herbal and nutrition supplements, over-the-counter health and beauty products, vision and hearing care services, and laser vision care.
Wynne said the actual savings and member participation in Healthy Rewards(R) are even higher than these statistics suggest. “One consumer benefit of the program is that there is no paperwork or referral. So, data on some of the offerings like discounts on massage therapy, chiropractic care, acupuncture and cosmetic dentistry are more difficult to track.”
The Healthy Rewards(R) discount program is offered at no additional cost to employers or members, as a way to enhance their benefit plans and meet the growing demand for health and wellness programs. It is provided as an advantage of plan participation and is not part of the benefit plan. Healthy Rewards(R) is not a covered benefit or an insurance program. Members do not need referrals, nor do they file claims to obtain discounts. They obtain discounts by presenting their member identification card. The program discounts cannot be applied to any co-payment or coinsurance for services covered under the member’s benefit plan. Members schedule appointments directly with service providers, and pay them directly.
CIGNA HealthCare, headquartered in Bloomfield, Connecticut, provides medical benefits through managed care and indemnity health care plans, dental coverage, behavioral health coverage, and pharmacy benefits. “CIGNA” or “CIGNA HealthCare” refers to various operating subsidiaries of CIGNA Corporation . Products and services are provided by these operating subsidiaries and not by CIGNA Corporation.
*Some of the features of the Healthy Rewards(R) program are not available in all states.
(1) Actual Causes of Death in The United States, 2000, The Journal of the American Medical Association, March 10, 2004. (2) Health Affairs, March 2002 and American Journal of Health Promotion 2001. (3) PricewaterhouseCoopers Employer Survey, 2000.
CIGNA HealthCare
Contact: Tania Graves, CIGNA HealthCare, +1-602-861-8181 ortania.graves@cigna.com
Web site: http://www.cigna.com/healthyrewards
Web site: http://www.cigna.com/
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