In the Community

August 2, 2007

Educational Theatre Performance 'The Best Me' Targets Childhood Obesity

Kaiser Permanente's Educational Theatre Program in Northern California now is presenting "The Best Me," a performance that helps school-aged children understand why it is so important that they eat well and have an active lifestyle

"The Best Me" targets the issue of childhood obesity, which has reached epidemic levels in the United States. Over the past 20 years, the rate of childhood obesity nationwide has more than tripled among adolescents, and more than doubled among children ages 6 to 11, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

Childhood obesity is a critical area of focus for Kaiser Permanente and Kaiser Permanente's Community Benefit organization, which funds Educational Theatre Programs in the communities Kaiser Permanente serves. "The Best Me" presents audiences with information that can help children – and their parents – make healthy choices as it regards nutrition and exercise.

Kaiser Permanente's award-winning Educational Theatre Programs have been among the organization's most visible programs since ETP debuted in 1985. More than 11 million people nationwide have seen a free Kaiser Permanente Educational Theatre performance. The program aims to deliver current, clinically honed, age-appropriate health information to children between the ages of 5 and 18, their parents, and their communities. Past and current ETP topics include healthy eating, physical activity, diversity, conflict resolution, dealing with grief and loss, sexually transmitted diseases, alcohol, and tobacco.

Presentations usually involve live music, dance, comedy, drama, and audience interaction. Schools also receive a teacher's guide, family participation elements, and follow-up classroom exercises.

"The Best Me" is available, free of charge, to elementary schools throughout Northern California.

While "The Best Me" currently is available only in Northern California, several Kaiser Permanente regions have Educational Theatre productions that address childhood obesity and nutrition.

Kaiser Permanente's website also features useful information about combating childhood obesity.