HARTFORD, Conn.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--The Connecticut Science Center today opened its latest exhibit – “Cycling to Wellness” – an interactive space that includes a virtual cycling game and is designed to highlight the health benefits of cycling.
The exhibit is sponsored by and developed in collaboration with UnitedHealthcare. Connecticut Science Center and UnitedHealthcare executives were joined by Matthew Busche, a pro cyclist from the UnitedHealthcare Pro Cycling Team, at the ribbon-cutting ceremony.
“We are excited to present this exhibit to our visitors from Connecticut and beyond – and thank UnitedHealthcare for making this possible,” said Matt Fleury, president and CEO, Connecticut Science Center. “Visitors will not only get to learn more about the health benefits of cycling and other fitness-related information, they will be able to race against one another in a virtual experience.”
“Cycling to Wellness” includes, in addition to the cycling game, a Build-a-Bike interactive cycling program, which enables children to test their bike designs on various landscapes from a level concrete surface to a rugged mountain trail; educational information on the health benefits of bicycling and other health-related information; and a UnitedHealthcare Pro Cycling racing bicycle used during the 2015 professional cycling season.
Busche was on hand to talk about cycling and bike safety. He reminded visitors to wear bicycle helmets, follow street and trail rules, and drink plenty of water, among other tips.
According to research, cycling is a good form of exercise. It improves cardiac health and overall strength and flexibility, and it enhances mental well-being. Connecticut has more than 400 bike trails varying in length, difficulty and terrain, according to ctbikeroutes.org.
“UnitedHealthcare is grateful for the opportunity to bring ‘Cycling to Wellness’ to the Connecticut Science Center so visitors can see firsthand the benefits of cycling and learn more about getting and staying healthy,” said Stephen Farrell, CEO, UnitedHealthcare of New England.
Access to “Cycling to Wellness” is included with the purchase of a general admission ticket or a Science Center membership. For more information on this and other exhibits, visit the Science Center’s website at CTScienceCenter.org.
UnitedHealthcare has more than 5,000 employees in five offices across the state. In addition to its collaboration with the Connecticut Science Center, the company supports organizations and initiatives in Connecticut, primarily focusing on children, senior citizen and veteran health. In 2015, nearly 3,000 employees volunteered more than 31,000 hours to community-based efforts.
About the Connecticut Science Center
The
LEED-Gold certified Connecticut Science Center, located in downtown
Hartford, sparks creative imagination and an appreciation for science by
immersing visitors in fun and educational hands-on, minds-on interactive
experiences while maintaining an environmentally conscious presence.
Serving more than two million people since opening in 2009, the Science
Center features more than 165 exhibits in 10 galleries and a range of
topics, including space and earth sciences, physical sciences, biology,
the Connecticut River watershed, alternative energy sources, Connecticut
inventors and innovations, a children’s gallery, and much more. Other
features include four educational labs, a 200-seat 3D digital theater,
function room, gift store, and ongoing events for all ages.
The Science Center is a non-profit organization dedicated to enhancing science education throughout the state of Connecticut and New England, providing learning opportunities for students and adults of all ages, and engaging the community in scientific exploration. The Connecticut Science Center is also the home to the Joyce D. and Andrew J. Mandell Academy for Teachers, offering powerful Professional Development for educators. More information: www.CTScienceCenter.org or 860.SCIENCE.
About UnitedHealthcare
UnitedHealthcare
is dedicated to helping people nationwide live healthier lives by
simplifying the health care experience, meeting consumer health and
wellness needs, and sustaining trusted relationships with care
providers. The company offers the full spectrum of health benefit
programs for individuals, employers, military service members, retirees
and their families, and Medicare and Medicaid beneficiaries, and
contracts directly with 1 million physicians and care professionals, and
6,000 hospitals and other care facilities nationwide. UnitedHealthcare
is one of the businesses of UnitedHealth Group (NYSE: UNH), a
diversified Fortune 50 health and well-being company. For more
information, visit UnitedHealthcare at www.uhc.com
or follow @myUHC on Twitter.
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