FCHP helping to combat pediatric obesity
FCHP fitness program recognized in ACHP report highlighting innovative efforts of community health plans across the country
Worcester, Mass., January 13, 2011 ―Fallon Community Health Plan’s It Fits! fitness program has been highlighted in a recently released report by the Alliance of Community Health Plans (ACHP) about the innovative efforts health plans across the country are taking to tackle the nation’s pediatric obesity epidemic.
The report, Pediatric Obesity: Addressing a National Challenge at a Local Level, demonstrates how community health plans are taking the initiative in the fight against one of our nation’s most significant health concerns. According to the ACHP report, the prevalence of obese children is now one and three and continues to rise. There may be severe consequences for millions of children, including a higher risk of several chronic diseases including asthma, diabetes, and cardiovascular disease. Moreover, many of these diseases persist into adulthood, decreasing quality of life and raising health care costs.
Through the It Fits! program, one of the most robust fitness reimbursement programs in the state, FCHP members are reimbursed for their participation in a variety of healthy activities. To engage and support its younger members, FCHP expanded the It Fits! reimbursements to include school, town and other athletic programs for kids.
“Pediatric obesity poses a threat to individuals, families and communities. We know we bear a fundamental responsibility to provide treatment and prevention to support healthy lifestyles,” said Elizabeth C. Malko, M.D., M. Eng., FAAFP, FCHP Senior Vice President and Chief Medical Officer. “Our It Fits! program aims to get the entire family involved in aerobic activity and is well aligned with FCHP’s goal to improve the quality of life and the health status of our members and our communities.”
Read the ACHP press release: http://www.achp.org/newsroom/press/5842.html
Read the ACHP report: http://www.achp.org/lai/pediatricobesitypub.html
Christine Cassidy
christine.cassidy@fchp.org
About Fallon Community Health Plan
Founded in 1977, Fallon Community Health Plan is a nationally recognized, not-for-profit health care services organization. From traditional health insurance products available throughout Massachusetts for all populations, to innovative health care programs and services for seniors, FCHP supports the diverse and changing needs of all those it serves. FCHP has consistently ranked among the nation’s top health plans, and is the only health plan in Massachusetts to have been awarded “Excellent” Accreditation by the National Committee for Quality Assurance for its HMO, Medicare Advantage and Medicaid products.