do invites you to groove your body every day

Why is a health plan sponsoring TV spots and billboards encouraging Minnesotans to be more active?

Good question! Here’s a good answer: Physical inactivity and diet combined are the second-leading causes of preventable death in the U.S. And being physically inactive is a major risk factor for heart disease [1].

Since only 49% of Minnesotans average 30 minutes of moderate activity on most days of the week, there’s plenty of room for improvement [2]. So Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Minnesota joined forces with the American Heart Association to create and promote do.

do is a multi-media campaign designed to encourage inactive or minimally active adults to build small bursts of activity into their day. The message? “Groove your body every day.”

The idea is to build new, healthier habits with modest changes — and to have fun while “doing.”

The basic do messages: Being physically active is achievable. Start small. Keep it simple. Look for opportunities around you. Just build activities that are at least 10-minutes into your day. Play with the kids. Walk the dog. Take a walk around the mall before your start shopping. Dance to your favorite CD.

Want inspiration? More examples? Visit www.do-groove.com.

Endnotes

1. National Center for Chronic Disease Prevention and Health Promotion. Physical Activity and Good Nutrition: Essential Elements to Prevent Chronic Diseases and Obesity. 2004. Available online at www.cdc.gov/nccdphp/aag/aag_dnpa.htm
2. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System Survey Data. Atlanta, Georgia: U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 2003.