Gold Medallist Announced as New Health Ambassador

Gold Medallist Announced as New Health Ambassador for Southern Cross

Olympic gold medallist Lisa Carrington will be the face of a new advertising and social media campaign aimed at helping New Zealanders to take small steps towards a healthier lifestyle.

The canoe sprint gold medallist at the 2012 London Olympics said when it comes to good health, “the little things really do add up.”

“The principle behind the campaign is that small, gradual lifestyle changes can make a big difference health-wise down the line. We’ll be promoting a range of ideas that hopefully even the busiest person can find time in their day to adopt,” said Carrington.

The 23-year-old canoeist will be the face and voice of the “Let’s get a healthier you” Facebook page, which will contain a variety of health-related content including hints and tips, challenges and competitions for followers, as well as regular posts and training updates from Carrington herself.

The page is sponsored by Southern Cross Health Society, the country’s largest health insurer with more than 800,000 members.

Chief Executive Peter Tynan said over the last decade the Society had extended beyond health insurance into pro-active health initiatives, including the provision of health and wellbeing programmes to corporate clients.

Recent research by Southern Cross found that over a quarter of New Zealanders exercise less than once a week or not at all. Exercise was defined as anything from structured activity, such as sport or going to the gym to walking to work.

“If we can help in some small way to make a dent in statistics like these by getting more New Zealanders to consider their health and get more active that would be a great start,” said Tynan.

“Southern Cross’s long-term goal is to extend our role in the community and in health, so that we are not only helping people access timely medical care, but also helping them to stay well. We are really pleased to have formed this partnership with Lisa to help inspire and encourage New Zealanders to get healthier,” said Tynan.

The “Let’s get a healthier you” Facebook page can be found at http://www.facebook.com/#!/letsgetahealthieryou?fref=ts

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