Capital BlueCross and WITF-TV Launch HealthSmart Television Series

Capital BlueCross and WITF-TV Launch HealthSmart Television Series

New Consumer health show to focus on leading health issues

HARRISBURG, Pa., May 10 /PRNewswire/ -- Capital BlueCross and WITF-TV today announced that they are partnering to launch a new television series called "HealthSmart" that will tackle today's leading health topics. The first episode premieres this evening on WITF-TV beginning at 8:30 p.m. and will focus on the challenges of and solutions for childhood obesity.

"Capital BlueCross is committed to helping the people and communities we serve to stay healthy, and one of the most important ways we can help is to give people access to the very best health care advice," Capital BlueCross President & CEO Anita M. Smith said. "We have been reaching out to our members and the community through our health and wellness programs, our public messages, and our community outreach events such as last year's town hall meeting on the challenges of childhood obesity. The HealthSmart program is an excellent way to expand that initiative across central Pennsylvania. I am pleased that the first HealthSmart episode will focus on child weight management - addressing the No. 1 threat to our children's health."

During this evening's episode, viewers will learn firsthand the challenges overweight children face and will receive practical advice from experts on how to help children avoid childhood obesity. The program will focus on the choices children make everyday - from meals to snacks to exercise - and will provide tips on how the whole family can effectively manage their weight and enhance their fitness.

The second HealthSmart will air May 31 at 8:30 p.m. and will focus on the topic of heart disease, the nation's leading cause of death for men and women. The program will examine the inner workings of the human heart, explore some new and emerging technologies to aid in the fight against heart disease, and look at new strategies to combat heart disease for those who are high risk or living with this illness. The program will also feature expert advice and lifestyle choices for protecting the heart.

The third and final episode is scheduled for June 28 and the topic will be announced at a later date.

Capital BlueCross (http://www.capbluecross.com/) is the leading health insurance company in central Pennsylvania and the Lehigh Valley and the owner of Keystone Health Plan Central, a health maintenance organization. Headquartered in Harrisburg, Pa., Capital BlueCross also has offices in Lemoyne, Pa. and Allentown, Pa. Its 21-county service area consists of Adams, Berks, Centre, Columbia, Cumberland, Dauphin, Franklin, Fulton, Juniata, Lancaster, Lebanon, Lehigh, Mifflin, Montour, Northampton, Northumberland, Perry, Schuylkill, Snyder, Union and York counties.

The company is committed to making health insurance simple, offering easy-to-use health care and personal service at competitive prices. Capital BlueCross has been serving its customers for nearly 70 years and employs more than 2,300 people.

Capital BlueCross and Keystone Health Plan Central are independent licensees of the Blue Cross and Blue Shield Association.

WITF, Inc., is a public media organization that brings educational and cultural experiences to residents in every community in the central Pennsylvania region. WITF broadcast services reach audiences in over 17 counties in central Pennsylvania. The company comprises public broadcasting stations WITF-TV, WITF-FM, news networks RadioPA Networks, Public Radio Capitol News, and Empire Radio Network, monthly regional magazine Central PA, WITF.org, WITF Educational Services, and WITF Learning Technologies.

Source: Capital BlueCross

CONTACT: Joseph Butera, Capital BlueCross, +1-717-541-6139,
Joe.Butera@capbluecross.com

Web site: http://www.capbluecross.com/

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