2008-10-30 22:52:01 -
- Aetna (NYSE:AET) announced today that Earvin "Magic" Johnson will be the featured speaker at the first "Magic@50" Community Health EXPO at the Harold Washington Cultural Center (4701 S. King Drive, Chicago, IL 60615) on Saturday, November 8th. This EXPO is free and open to the public, running from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.
In addition to Mr. Johnson's
speech, there will be a number of other free activities and health information resources available to the community throughout the EXPO. Before his presentation, there will be a panel discussion with local health experts on health literacy issues facing people ages 45-65 in urban communities.
Roland S. Martin, a CNN-contributor and nationally award-winning, multifaceted journalist, will serve as the Master of Ceremonies throughout the EXPO. The EXPO, a joint initiative of Magic Johnson Enterprises and Aetna, will also feature:
-- A variety of free health screenings administered by the Illinois Department of Public Health for conditions such as high blood pressure and cholesterol, diabetes, stroke and AIDS, as well as free flu shots from the Chicago Department of Public Health;
-- Interactive wellness sessions on alternative exercise options such as "jazzercise" and line dancing;
-- Informational booths from organizations such as the American Cancer Society and the American Diabetes Association, as well as local health-related community businesses.
Attendees who stop by any two screening booths at the EXPO will qualify to have their picture taken with Earvin "Magic" Johnson after his presentation. In addition, attendees who visit the Aetna booth can enter into a raffle to win a signed Earvin "Magic" Johnson basketball or jersey.
Improving Health Literacy; Magic@50 on the Web
Health literacy is an issue that impacts a significant portion of the population. More than 90 million Americans have trouble understanding medical information, while seven out of 10 individuals in African American or Hispanic communities find it difficult to understand health information.
Mr. Johnson's speech, which is open to the public and will start at 12:00 p.m., will focus on the value of improving health literacy, especially as individuals approach and go beyond the age of 50.
As part of his presentation, Mr. Johnson - who turns 50 in 2009 - will also highlight Aetna's innovative alliance with Magic Johnson Enterprises (MJE). These two organizations came together with a mutual desire to improve health literacy in ethnically diverse communities, helping empower businesses and individuals within these communities to make informed choices about their health care options.
As part of this initiative, Aetna and Magic Johnson Enterprises have developed a unique website (www.aetnamagicat50.com) that highlights various elements of the "Magic@50" campaign. The site includes a number of videos with Mr. Johnson describing how he has faced personal challenges with his health and in business, as well as ways that the Aetna/Magic Johnson Enterprises alliance can help improve health literacy; articles on Aetna's commitment to diversity and addressing racial and ethnic inequalities in health care; and a glossary of common health insurance terms.
About Aetna
Aetna is one of the nation's leading diversified health care benefits companies, serving approximately 37.2 million people with information and resources to help them make better informed decisions about their health care. Aetna offers a broad range of traditional and consumer-directed health insurance products and related services, including medical, pharmacy, dental, behavioral health, group life and disability plans, and medical management capabilities and health care management services for Medicaid plans. Our customers include employer groups, individuals, college students, part-time and hourly workers, health plans, governmental units, government-sponsored plans, labor groups and expatriates. www.aetna.com
About Magic Johnson Enterprises
Magic Johnson Enterprises, formed in 1987, serves as a catalyst for community and economic empowerment by making available high-quality entertainment, products and services that answer the demands of ethnically diverse urban communities. Through investment, partnership and consultation, Magic Johnson Enterprises has a portfolio of companies that strategically work together to reinforce the organization's focus on serving emerging, multicultural communities. Learn more at www.magicjohnsonenterprises.com/
Aetna
Scot Roskelley, 312-928-3034
RoskelleyE@aetna.com
or
Ethan Slavin, 860-273-6095
SlavinE@aetna.com 
