Michigan Business & Professional Association, Michigan Food & Beverage Association Applauds Wellness Plan Announcement
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
The Michigan Business and Professional Association and Michigan Food and Beverage Association applaud the Michigan Department of Community Health’s announcement of its Michigan Health and Wellness 4 x 4 Plan today.
“We applaud the efforts of the department’s director, Olga Dazzo, in putting action behind Governor Snyder’s call to reduce obesity in the Michigan during his 2012 State of the State address,” said Jennifer Kluge, president and CEO of both Associations, which represent more than 20,000 members across Michigan, who employ over 180,0000 persons.
Kluge said the Associations encourage all members to improve their health and that of their employees by following a healthy diet, taking time for regular exercise, having an annual physical, and avoiding all tobacco use and exposure.
“We are proud that our Associations already have programs in place to help our members reach these goals, including a discount with Weight Watchers and a number of health insurance products through Blue Cross Blue Shield of Michigan,” commented Kluge.
She added that members can also access a free Prescription Drug Card program, through United Networks of America, which allows members to receive savings up to 75 percent at more than 1,300 well known pharmacies throughout the state of Michigan.
“We know that obesity prevention will be a key strategy in improving the overall health of all our citizens, and reducing the incidence of many chronic illnesses that are related to obesity,” said Kluge, who like Governor Snyder, started a weight loss program and has lost more than 30 pounds. “We urge our members to monitor their four key health measures of body mass index, blood pressure, cholesterol level, and blood sugar level, which are the basis of the 4 x 4 Plan.”
Based in Warren, Mich., the MBPA is the largest business organization of small to medium-sized businesses in Michigan, representing more than 20,000 members who employ over 180,0000 persons. Members include attorneys, physicians, architects, accountants, construction companies, banks, retailers, wholesalers, manufacturers and the like. Member businesses receive numerous benefits including free legal and financial consultations; discounted technology, automotive and office products; employee training and recruitment assistance; and competitive insurance rates. The MBPA is a sister association to the Michigan Food & Beverage Association (MFBA) with more than 3,400 members. | 
