It is for this reason Anthem Blue Cross and Blue Shield in Ohio teamed up with Radio Disney to bring Radio Disney's "Move It!" program to kids and families in Ohio. Radio Disney is the leading radio network for kids, tweens and families, and its youth and family fitness program, "Move It!" encourages active lifestyles for kids and adults and serves as an outlet to promote healthy living in fun and entertaining ways.

In 2008, realizing the seriousness of the obesity issue, Governor Ted Strickland called for the development of a comprehensive, multi-faceted obesity prevention strategy which resulted in the Ohio Obesity Prevention Plan. Supporting Radio Disney's "Move It!" program is one way Anthem Blue Cross and Blue Shield is demonstrating its commitment to the Ohio Obesity Prevention Plan, and Anthem is proud to announce that December 1 has been officially proclaimed by the Governor as "Kids Move It! Day" in Ohio.

"I applaud Anthem Blue Cross and Blue Shield for being a leader in efforts to prevent obesity in children and adults," Governor Ted Strickland said. "Their support of 'Move It!' is a great example of how the private sector can collaborate with the state to educate Ohioans on active, healthy lifestyles."

This fall, "Radio Disney's Move It! School Challenge" motivated students throughout Ohio to build healthy habits while competing against other schools for the chance to win new gym equipment and a live Radio Disney dance party at their school hosted by Radio Disney deejays. Nearly 300 Ohio schools signed up, and more than 47,000 students participated.

The top twenty schools with the highest participation levels are the lucky winners of the Radio Disney "Move It!" Dance Party. The winning schools are: Arts Academy at Summit, Canton; Bantam Ridge Elementary, Westerville; Bridges Community Academy, Tiffin; Constellation Schools Puritas Community Elementary, Cleveland; Emerson Academy, Dayton; Hilltop Elementary School, Beachwood; Hopewell-Loudon Elementary, Bascom; Imagine Madison Ave. School of Arts, Toledo; Lake Cable Elementary School, Canton; Lakeview Elementary, Akron; Lighthouse Academy, Akron; Margaretta Elementary, Castalia; Mason Intermediate School, Mason; Miles Pre K-8 School, Cleveland; Pleasant Valley Elementary, Parma; Poland North Elementary, Poland; Robert C. Lindsey Elementary School, Chesterland; Shenandoah Elementary, Sarahsville; Virtual Schoolhouse, Cleveland; and Warner Girls' Leadership Academy, Cleveland.

The first "Move It!" Dance Party will take place on December 1, 2:00-3:00 p.m., at Constellation Schools Puritas Community Elementary School located at 15204 Puritas Ave., Cleveland, Ohio, 44135, in recognition of "Kids Move It! Day."

In addition, five schools will receive free gym equipment for being the first to sign up for and complete Radio Disney's "Move It!" School Challenge. Congratulations to Bridges Community Academy, Toledo; Constellation Schools Puritas Community Elementary, Cleveland; Lial Catholic School, Whitehouse; Lighthouse Academy, Akron; and Mason Intermediate School, Mason.

"What a fantastic way to get kids engaged in healthy activities!" said Erin Hoeflinger, President, Anthem Blue Cross and Blue Shield in Ohio. "We couldn't be more pleased with the success of the 'Radio Disney Move It! School Challenge' in Ohio, where literally tens of thousands of students are improving their health."

About Anthem Blue Cross and Blue Shield

Anthem Blue Cross and Blue Shield is the trade name of Community Insurance Company, an independent licensee of the Blue Cross Blue Shield Association. ®ANTHEM is a registered trademark of Anthem Insurance Companies, Inc. The Blue Cross and Blue Shield names and symbols are registered marks of the Blue Cross and Blue Shield Association. Additional information about Anthem Blue Cross and Blue Shield in Ohio is available at www.anthem.com.