Health Partners, one of the few hospital-owned health plans in the country, is doubling its efforts to help community members in the fight against obesity. Last year, the award winning health plan celebrated its 25 year anniversary by providing 2,500 body mass index (BMI) screenings to underserved residents throughout the region.
Riding the momentum of this successful campaign, the organization is heading back into the community, this time with the goal of reaching 5,000 screenings in 2011.
“Addressing obesity is one of the most critical healthcare issues facing our country today. Fitness and nutrition programs are key components of our comprehensive healthcare approach,” says William S. George, president and CEO, Health Partners. “Offering these BMI screenings to the community continues our 25-year history of improving health outcomes and is a way for us to bring more attention to this issue.”
Obesity is one of the leading and most preventable causes of death worldwide. It can lead to serious health issues including heart disease, high blood pressure, stroke, diabetes, high cholesterol, and osteoarthritis. The first step in addressing obesity is knowing your body mass index (BMI). BMI is a measuring tool doctors use to determine if your weight is within a healthy range.
Here’s what the numbers mean for adults:
BMI Weight Status
Below 18.5 Underweight
18.5 – 25 Normal
25.1 – 29.9 Overweight
30.0 and above Obese
If your BMI falls in the overweight or obese category, it is important that you work with a doctor to set up a healthy diet and exercise program. Once the BMI numbers return to normal, the risk for related health issues decreases, too.
Health Partners will be participating in health fairs and festivals throughout 2011, providing screenings, health education and “I KNOW” (my BMI) T-shirts to participants, while supplies last. For a complete list of locations, visit www.healthpart.com and click on the BMI Know it, Control it link on the bottom right side of the home page or call 215-967-4514.
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