Nov. 30, 2009 (PR Newswire) --

Columbus, Ohio - November 30, 2009 - Did you know that approximately 35 percent of children in Ohio aged 10-17 years are overweight or obese, and 35 percent of our third graders are overweight or obese? According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, over 9 million children in this country aged six to 19 are overweight or obese - a number that has tripled since 1980.

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.