Dayton Area Resident Wins National Fitness Award

From 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.

Kettering, OH's Barbara McGirr wins @SilverSneakers Richard L Swanson Award. Her fitness journey will inspire you.

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.”

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