Horseshoe Bend Awarded Funds for Physical Activity Equipment

    BOISE, ID, June 04, 2017 /24-7PressRelease/ -- State legislator Terry Gestrin and representatives from the Blue Cross of Idaho Foundation for Health visited Horseshoe Bend Elementary recently to present a check that will help purchase additional physical activity equipment for the school.

The funds are a result of Representative Gestrin's participation in the Steps for Schools Challenge, which rallies legislators to increase -- and count -- their steps throughout February. The challenge is organized by High Five Children's Health Collaborative, an initiative of the Blue Cross of Idaho Foundation for Health.

"Steps for Schools is a great way to help others and do what you should do for yourself," Gestrin said. "Horseshoe Bend Elementary is bringing back physical education next year and this money will help purchase the equipment needed."

The Steps for Schools Challenge 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 really stepped up to be a positive influence in their communities," said Kendra Witt-Doyle, Blue Cross of Idaho Foundation for Health Executive Director. "Representative Gestrin's efforts will give Horseshoe Bend Elementary much-needed equipment that will promote healthy habits in our children."

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 http://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 http://www.bcidahofoundation.org

# # #