PUPPETS TAKE ON CHILDHOOD OBESITY AND OVERWEIGHT
 
Columbia, MD (January 23, 2006) – The internationally known Kids on the Block puppet troupe is pleased to announce two additions to its family of educational characters.  Joined by two existing Kids on the Block, the newest characters “Zach Jones” and "Reverend Raymond Robinson"  are featured in a new puppet program designed to combat childhood obesity. 

According to the American Obesity Association, approximately 30.3 percent of children (ages 6 to 11) are overweight and 15.3 percent are obese.  Of adolescents (ages 12 to 19), 30.4 percent are overweight and 15.5 percent are obese.  Most experts agree that children who are extremely overweight are more likely to develop health problems such as non-insulin dependent diabetes and sleep apnea.  Overweight children also tend to grow into overweight adults, which could put them at risk for a myriad of health problems.  

The Kids on the Block Program on Combating Childhood Obesity and Overweight has been developed to educate children about the relationship between food and physical movement and their effects on weight and health.  The two new puppet characters represent a young person and an adult who are struggling with their weight.  Eleven year old Zach, is beginning to take steps toward better health.   He receives advice and support from Reverend Robinson, whose weight issues began when he was young and followed him into adulthood. 

Under advisement from his doctor, Reverend Robinson decided to make some alterations in his lifestyle by incorporating one small change at a time.  This course of action has been instrumental in his quest for better health.  As he's learned more about nutrition and physical activity he has started to pass this knowledge on to the kids he works with at the community youth center.

The Kids on the Block, Inc. worked in conjunction with Tennessee On the Move and the University of Tennessee Nutrition Institute to bring these important health lessons to children.  Tennessee On the Move is an affiliate of America On the Move, which encourages all Americans to gain the health benefits of moving more and reducing calories, regardless of current fitness level.  The release of The Kids on the Block Program on Combating Childhood Obesity and Overweight is the culmination of more than a year's work of researching, developing, writing, and field testing the educational puppet program which now joins 47 other program topics used by affiliate presenters worldwide. 


Media Inquiries:
Aric Darroe (410)290-9095
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The Kids on the Block, Inc. is an educational puppet company which uses live puppet theatre to educate children about sensitive topics, including disability awareness.  Over 1,600 associate troupes use curricula developed by The Kids on the Block, Inc. to deliver messages of sensitivity, acceptance and responsible decision making to children around the world.