HARRISBURG, Pa., Feb. 19, 2013 /PRNewswire/ -- Capital BlueCross is participating in a series of assemblies at Foose Elementary School in Harrisburg on Feb. 21 to teach children the importance of how to keep their teeth and gums clean and healthy for a lifetime.

The assemblies support National Children's Dental Health Month, and will feature a presentation by the school dental hygienist about good oral health, a nutrition discussion with a Capital BlueCross registered dietitian, and a visit from the "Tooth Fairy." Capital BlueCross is donating toothbrushes for the more than 700 students.

The day's activities will also include interactive displays where the students can learn more about the importance of proper oral hygiene. A member of the Capital BlueCross Children's Health Insurance Program (CHIP) department will be on hand to provide enrollment information that students can take home for their parents. For those who are eligible by meeting the income guidelines, CHIP provides coverage for dental and orthodontic services.

"We are excited to partner with Capital BlueCross to help our children understand how important it is to brush their teeth at least twice every day," said Karen Wright, principal of Foose Elementary School. "The earlier children develop a good brushing routine, the better chance they have of keeping their teeth and gums healthy through adulthood."

"A balanced diet is equally important as brushing," said Kelly Shreve, Capital BlueCross Director of Health Education & Wellness. "Getting plenty of calcium and avoiding too many sweets will help to keep teeth strong and cavity free, and will help to avoid gum disease and other oral complications that can have a huge impact on a person's overall health."

The 45-minute assemblies will take place at 9:30 a.m., 10:30 a.m. and 1 p.m. Foose Elementary School is located at 1301 Sycamore St., Harrisburg, Pa 17104.      

Capital BlueCross is participating in a number of activities throughout the region this month to help children better understand the importance of good dental hygiene.

About Capital BlueCross

In 2013, Capital BlueCross is celebrating 75 years of serving central Pennsylvania and Lehigh Valley residents and businesses as the region's leading health insurer. Through community partnerships and by collaborating with area health care providers, Capital BlueCross brings innovative services and clinical solutions to the marketplace, while expanding and diversifying its comprehensive product portfolio. Committed to delivering medical value to its communities, Capital BlueCross focuses on improving patient satisfaction, enhancing quality of care and reducing costs. The company continues to lead the change in the industry by meeting the evolving health needs of its customers, most recently by entering the retail market and building a first-of-its-kind health and wellness store in the Lehigh Valley called Capital Blue. Headquartered in Harrisburg, Pa., Capital BlueCross is an independent licensee of the Blue Cross and Blue Shield Association, employing more than 1,800 people. More information about Capital BlueCross, its family of businesses, and its offerings for individuals and employers, can be found at capbluecross.com.

SOURCE Capital BlueCross