Q: Who created the do campaign?

Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Minnesota (Blue Cross) created the do campaign.

Q: Why is Blue Cross doing this?

Blue Cross believes that prevention really can be the best medicine. Physical activity and healthy eating are essential. Moving more and eating better improves health and saves money, which is good for everyone.

Thirty minutes of moderately intense physical activity every day is a great way to start getting active. Healthy eating — keeping track of portion sizes and eating plenty of fruits and vegetables — is key to good health. We want to help Minnesotans take advantage of the many small opportunities to move more and eat better that come our way each day. Physical inactivity and poor diet combined are the second-leading causes of preventable death and disease in the United States, and a huge economic burden on our state. Six in 10 adults in Minnesota are overweight and 1 in 5 obese — that’s a lot of people who are putting themselves at risk. In 2000, $495 million was spent in Minnesota alone to treat diseases and conditions that could have been avoided if all Minnesotans were physically active and ate more healthfully.

Q: I don’t have a Blue Cross health plan. Can I still participate or implement at my company?

Absolutely! do is for all Minnesotans, regardless of your health plan.

Q: What is the cost?

That’s up to you. This site has what you need to get started and have a very successful campaign. Anything else that you choose to add is up to you. Perhaps you want to purchase t-shirts or water bottles to reward people who find time to move more. Some companies use internal incentives such as paid time off.

Q: To implement a campaign, does my company have to do everything that is included in the web site or the various campaigns?

Not at all. Those are simply suggestions. Do what works best for your company.

Q: How long is the campaign?

The campaign is not a typical 6-week or 3-month physical activity challenge. The idea is that do would become part of your worksite. The items would serve as a constant reminder to your employees that they can be physically active in beneficial 10-minute segments.

Q: What are PODPs?

A PODP is a “Point of Decision Prompt.” These posters point out opportunities to be active in daily life. (For example, use the stairs instead of the elevator.)