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Award-Winning 'Get Fit With Walgreens' Youth Fitness and Nutrition Program Returns for Third Year

Posted on: Thursday, 28 September 2006, 21:00 CDT

DEERFIELD, Ill., Sept. 28 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- "Get Fit with Walgreens," the acclaimed Chicago minority youth fitness and nutrition program implemented in select Chicago public and suburban schools (CPS) by the national drugstore chain, will return in an expanded form to the school system this fall. For its third consecutive year, the comprehensive program will be rolled into the curriculums of Chicago and suburban schools-benefiting 30 schools this year and twice the number of students previously undertaking the initiative.

"Get Fit with Walgreens," acknowledged this year by the Publicity Club of Chicago with its highest award for best overall program, creatively addresses fitness, nutrition and health issues among minority youth in a fun and exciting way. Weekly sessions focusing on nutrition, fitness and self-esteem taught by school instructors, counselors and physical education teachers are major program components. A colorful and engaging educational activity journal featuring Chartwells-Thompson's "Pyramid Pete and His Friends," characters that teach kids about the FDA food pyramid, provides extra incentive, motivating students to reach and maintain their diet and exercise goals.

"Get Fit with Walgreens" will launch with a rousing kick-off rally on Sept. 29 at the UIC Pavilion, 1150 W. Harrison St. More than 2,500 second- and third-grade students from 30 Chicago Public Schools and suburban schools are expected to be in attendance. NBA Chicago Bulls guard Ben Gordon has signed on once again as the program's spokesperson, and will be in attendance as the special guest.

The spirited pep rally will reinvigorate students -- mentally and physically -- as they return from their summer breaks to begin a new school year on the right foot.

"We know that healthy kids do better in school, they're happier themselves and they influence their parents to make healthier food choices for the entire family when grocery shopping," said John Grant, vice president of store operations for Walgreens. "Walgreens recognizes its role in helping families and communities to address the ongoing childhood obesity issue, which disproportionately affects the African-American and Latino populations."

In 2005, Walgreens partnered with the Chicago Public Schools (CPS) and Chartwells-Thompson Hospitality to merge CPS's "Cool Schools" program with "Get Fit with Walgreens." Cool Schools is a program that promotes healthy eating choices for students in kindergarten through third grade. Healthy eating is emphasized daily by introducing students to healthy choices, such as a child-size salad bar containing a variety of fruits and vegetables. Research has revealed that if children are taught in their adolescent years to establish healthy eating habits and participate in regular physical activity, they may develop healthier lifestyles that will stay with them long term.

Walgreen Co. is the nation's largest drugstore chain with fiscal 2006 sales of $47.4 billion. The company operates more than 5,400 stores in 47 states and Puerto Rico. Walgreens also provides additional services to pharmacy patients and prescription drug and medical plans through Walgreens Health Initiatives (a pharmacy benefits manager), Walgreens Mail Service, Walgreens Specialty Pharmacy and Walgreens Home Care.

Walgreen Co.

CONTACT: Ronald E. Childs of Flowers Communications Group,+1-312-986-1260, rchilds@flowerscomm.com, for Walgreen Co.

Web site: http://www.walgreens.com/

Source: PRNewswire-FirstCall

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