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Related Program Learn more about the Washington DC childrens' fitness program, "YMCA - PHD."

BALTIMORE, MD (May 16, 2008) – CareFirst BlueCross BlueShield (CareFirst) and the Y of Central Maryland, with the help of local public officials and Orioles legend Jim Palmer, today announced the Y's "Fit N Fun" program, designed to educate Maryland kids on the dangers of childhood obesity and to encourage life-long healthy behaviors among children and their parents.

"Fit N Fun" is funded by a $1 million contribution from CareFirst and is part of a region-wide effort that includes a comparable program led by the YMCA of Metropolitan Washington.

"The Y has a 154 year track record of addressing community health problems with substantial proven results," said John K. Hoey, President and CEO of the Y of Central Maryland. "With CareFirst as our partner, we can leverage our assets to build a comprehensive, early intervention program that meets childhood obesity head-on and ultimately influences youth to create lifetime patterns of health and fitness. This is core to our mission."

CareFirst's sponsorship helps the YMCA reach children living in Washington D.C., Virginia and Maryland. The regional not-for-profit health insurer has also committed its pediatrics and medical expertise to the program. "Fit N Fun" has four major areas: health and fitness assessments; exercises that are creative and non-competitive; nutrition education, and family involvement.

"The dangers of childhood obesity are alarming," said Chet Burrell, President and CEO of CareFirst. "Childhood obesity affects more than 60,000 children ages 5 to 9 living in Maryland. Starting kids off on a healthy path today can prevent chronic, debilitating and often deadly illnesses, such as diabetes and heart disease."

Baltimore Orioles legend and Hall of Fame pitcher, # 22, Jim Palmer, was on hand to throw out the event's ceremonial first pitch and help YMCA kids understand the rewards of exercise. For his career, Palmer led Baltimore to three World Series titles over two decades of excellence and is the Orioles' all-time leader in numerous categories, including most wins (268) and most strikeouts (2,212). Palmer is recognized as one of Major League Baseball's all-time greatest pitchers and ambassadors of the game.

"The reason I love sports and exercise so much is that it is such a healthy endeavor for one's body, mind and emotions," said Palmer. "I have been fortunate to include baseball into my life and can say that I'm better for it. Finding enthusiasm in exercise, of any kind, can shape your life for the better and reward you with great health in all aspects of your life."

The partnership between CareFirst and the Y of Central Maryland has made possible the development of a Kids Health Mobile, an RV-style vehicle fully loaded with an interactive gym, rock climbing wall, health assessment equipment and nutrition corner. The Kids Health Mobile will be used throughout the year to promote youth wellness at schools, health fairs and special events. Basic wellness measures, including body mass index, muscle strength, cardio fitness and flexibility will help kids and parents establish a starting point of good health from which to build. Fitness games will promote participation through fun. Children and parents will be able to learn how to make healthy food choices. Family involvement will be emphasized to generate sustainable benefits for participants. The mobile fitness vehicle will set out across Maryland and carry with it activities that can be introduced at any site and continued in or out of school, home and always with fun.

The Y of Central Maryland is a human service organization dedicated to developing the full potential of every individual through programs that build healthy spirit, mind and body for all. Our programs and services are infused with our four positive character values: Caring, Honesty, Respect and Responsibility. We are committed to challenging our members, staff and volunteers to accept and demonstrate these values. Serving over 150,000 people each year in Baltimore City and Anne Arundel, Baltimore, Carroll, Harford and Howard Counties, we are the largest provider of child care in Maryland and employ over 800 in health & wellness, camping & youth sports, and child care & family services.

In its 71st year of service, CareFirst, an independent licensee of the Blue Cross and Blue Shield Association, is a not-for-profit health care company which, through its affiliates and subsidiaries, offers a comprehensive portfolio of health insurance products and administrative services to more than 3.2 million individuals and groups in Maryland, the District of Columbia and Northern Virginia. Through its CareFirst Commitment initiative and other public mission activities, CareFirst supports efforts to increase the accessibility, affordability, safety and quality of health care throughout its market areas.

Media Contacts:

YMCA of Central Maryland
Sara Milstein, 410-837-9622

CareFirst BlueCross BlueShield
Kevin Kane, 410-998-5822

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