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Make good health a habit, one step at a time. Take the Million Step Challenge and join the Million Step March.
Too many of us are sedentary. A quarter of North Carolinians say they do not get any physical activity at all. Getting 30 minutes of walking a day can dramatically improve a person’s well being. Increased energy levels, heightened self esteem, decreased stress and improved sleep are but a few of the benefits.
In fact, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommends adults engage in moderate-intensity physical activities for 30 minutes on most days of the week.
Take the first step to a longer, healthier life. Join Kathy Higgins, Gary Marino, Blue Cross and Blue Shield of North Carolina and members of your community as we march from the mountains to the coast.
Meet Kathy Higgins
Kathy Higgins has served Blue Cross and Blue Shield of North Carolina (BCBSNC) for the past 20 years, where she is currently vice president of Community Relations and president of the BCBSNC Foundation.
In her role as vice president, she oversees all corporate-based philanthropic initiatives including corporate community investments and outreach programs; community leadership; management and employee community involvement; several fundraising campaigns; and major community initiatives.
Since 2004, Kathy has also served as president of the BCBSNC Foundation where she has led unprecedented growth and the strategic investment of more than $33 million into North Carolina communities.
She has served on a number of boards of directors and committees, among them: Be Active North Carolina, 2 Those Who Care, the NC Healthy Start Foundation, the Jimmy V Foundation Celebrity Golf Classic, the Governor’s Council on Physical Fitness and Health, and the Kids ‘N Community Foundation of the Carolina Hurricanes. She also co-chaired the 2007 U.S. Women’s Open Golf Championship, and served on the Executive Council of the 1996 and 2001 championships.
In 2004, Kathy traveled to New Zealand and Australia to study health care innovation and policy as an Eisenhower Fellow, and was selected as a Fulbright Senior Scholar.
Kathy received her bachelor’s degree in education and psychology from West Virginia Wesleyan College and completed her master’s work in exercise physiology and community health education from Virginia Tech.
Meet Gary Marino
Back in 2001 Gary was at a life threatening 397 pounds - or, as he calls it, “ a Super Bowl Party away from 400”. “I was sedentary for over 15 years and a hopeless food addict,” he says. Faced with a family history of diabetes, high blood pressure, high cholesterol and severe sleep apnea caused by his obesity, Marino made a move he hopes many Americans will: he got vigilant about his health. He began seeing a nutritionist and walking everyday. And walking. And walking and walking. Gary’s new addiction had been born.
Three years later, with over 110 pounds gone from his 5’9 frame, Marino formed a non-profit foundation he called Generation Excel and decided to launch the country’s first inspirational cross country walk from Florida to Boston. His 3 ½ month, 1200 mile walk of the eastern seaboard reached over 70 million people in 2004 thanks to national appearances on ABC’s “Live With Regis & Kelly”, FOX News, USA Today, People Magazine and scores of local media. He also lost another 40 pounds.
One year later Gary took his personal health goals to the next logical step - running the 109th Boston Marathon. That same year his inspirational book “Big & Tall Chronicles” was released nationally by Barnes & Noble Book Sellers.
Later in 2005, at the request of Blue Cross of Northeastern Pennsylvania, Marino became the host and spokesman for a 2 year weight loss contest and obesity awareness campaign known as the “Million Pound Meltdown”. By the end of 2007 over 51,000 pounds had been lost in the effort.
Gary spent most of 2007 working with Studio G Motion Pictures on an educational and entertaining movie based on his book and cross country walk entitled “Million Calorie March,” which is currently on the US film festival circuit.
Still trying to lose an additional 50 pounds - but convinced he has finally achieved a measurable degree of health – he is excited to marshal the “Million Step March” campaign. “I’ve come to North Carolina not as pitchman for weight loss, but a pitchman for commitment. Make a commitment to work on your health – and join us when we come through your town!”
Visit Gary’s Web site at www.millioncaloriemarch.com or check out his book, “Big and Tall Chronicles,” at Barnes & Noble.
About Blue Cross and Blue Shield of North Carolina
Blue Cross and Blue Shield of North Carolina is a leader in delivering innovative health care products, services and information to nearly 3.6 million members, including approximately 825,000 served on behalf of other Blue Plans. For 75 years, the company has served its customers by offering health insurance at a competitive price and has served the people of North Carolina through support of community organizations, programs and events that promote good health. Blue Cross and Blue Shield of North Carolina is an independent licensee of the Blue Cross and Blue Shield Association. Access BCBSNC online at www.bcbsnc.com.
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