CINCINNATI--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Anthem Blue Cross and Blue Shield in Ohio (Anthem) congratulates Barbara McGirr of Kettering, OH for winning the 13th annual Richard L. Swanson Inspiration Award, which is sponsored by SilverSneakers®, a fitness program available to her through her Anthem Medicare Advantage health plan. Online voters selected Barbara over nine other finalists, recognizing her accomplishment in running a half marathon, her dedication to fitness and health, and her ability to motivate others along the way.
SilverSneakers by Tivity Health teams up with healthcare stakeholders, such as Anthem, to help millions of baby boomers and beyond meet their personal goals and overcome health stereotypes. The program helps older adults take greater control of their health by engaging participants in more frequent exercise, strength training, aerobics, and flexibility training through a variety of venues and programming.
“Barbara’s commitment to her health is an inspiration to us all,” said David McNichols, president of Anthem Medicare central region. “Barbara is an example of why Anthem Blue Cross and Blue Shield in Ohio offers programs, such as SilverSneakers, to our Medicare members. Through these programs, we are providing consumers access to high quality, affordable health care services, enabling them to take control of their health and live the life they’ve earned.”
The Richard L. Swanson Inspiration Award honors a SilverSneakers member for their inspiring fitness journey to improve their health and well-being. The award was created by SilverSneakers founder, Mary Swanson, whose father served as the inspiration for the nationally acclaimed fitness program. Barbara’s story exemplifies the meaning and significance of the award, as she has devoted her life to health and wellness.
Barbara loves to run and made it her goal to train and run her first half marathon at age 62, which she accomplished in a mere six-month timeframe. Through the SilverSneakers program, Barbara maintains her active lifestyle to keep her heart and mind healthy because her philosophy is “good physical health is connected to good mental health.” Barbara recently retired, and she still maintains her commitment to health and wellness by regularly competing in 4K and 5K runs.
“Barbara’s inspiring story is a powerful reminder that we can set and reach new health and fitness goals at any age,” said Donato Tramuto, the CEO of Tivity Health. “Her story, and the hundreds of stories we received through the nomination process, highlights the impact SilverSneakers has on the lives of our members. From physical transformations to overcoming health challenges to reaching a new fitness goal, SilverSneakers helps members improve their health, happiness and well-being.”
About Anthem Blue Cross and Blue Shield in Ohio
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. Also, follow us on Twitter at www.twitter.com/AnthemBCBS_News, on Facebook at www.facebook.com/AskAnthem, or visit our YouTube channel at www.youtube.com/AskAnthem.
About SilverSneakers
SilverSneakers, by Tivity Health, is the nation’s leading community fitness program for older Americans. The program was founded in 1992 and is available to more than 14.5 million Medicare beneficiaries through many Medicare Advantage plans, Medicare Supplement carriers and group retiree plans. This year, SilverSneakers is celebrating its 25th anniversary, decades of improving the physical, social and mental health of millions of older Americans. Learn more about the program’s legacy and anniversary at silversneakers25.com, and to check eligibility or enroll, go to silversneakers.com.
About Tivity Health
Tivity Health, Inc. (NASDAQ: TVTY) is a leading provider of fitness and health improvement programs, with strong capabilities in developing and managing network solutions. Through its existing three networks, SilverSneakers® - the nation’s leading fitness program for older adults, Prime® Fitness and WholeHealth Living™, Tivity Health is focused on targeted population health for those 50 and over. With more than 14.5 million Americans eligible for SilverSneakers, over 10,000 fitness centers in the Prime Fitness Network, and more than 25 years of clinical and operational expertise in managing specialty health benefits and networks, including chiropractic services, physical therapy, occupational therapy, speech therapy, acupuncture, massage and complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) services, the Company touches millions of consumers across the country and works directly with hundreds of healthcare practitioners and many of the nation’s largest payers and employers. Learn more at tivityhealth.com.
