Press Releases: National
February 14, 2008
Kaiser Permanente Recognized With Leading Awards For Anti-Childhood Obesity Game
"The Incredible Adventures of the Amazing Food Detective" Receives 2008 Best Products From iParenting Media Awards and Best in Class from Interactive Media
OAKLAND, Calif. – Kaiser Permanente’s "The Incredible Adventures of the Amazing Food Detective," a first of its kind, free, online video game that teaches children to eat healthier foods and get more active, has been awarded 2008 Best Products by iParenting Media Awards and Best in Class by the Interactive Media Awards™.
"The Amazing Food Detective complements Kaiser Permanente's nationally recognized clinical and community-based strategies to fight childhood obesity by utilizing technology to engage children in making healthy choices," said Raymond J. Baxter, Ph.D., senior vice president, Community Benefit at Kaiser Permanente. "We are honored to be recognized by the iParenting Media Awards and the Interactive Media Awards, and feel they are a testament to our efforts in promoting healthy eating and active living."
The iParenting Media Awards is the only certified product review and awards program in the industry. Winners are selected by feedback from a diverse set of parents, experts, licensed childcare centers and schools nationwide. Judging criteria for the Interactive Media Awards includes design, usability, innovation in technical features, standards compliance and content.
Based on a popular character from Kaiser Permanente's Educational Theatre Program, the Amazing Food Detective takes children through activities that show how to choose healthy foods and get more active. Children playing the game follow the routines of eight culturally diverse children whose activities or conditions would benefit from healthy food and exercise choices. The game, aimed at children ages 9-10, is available to everyone at www.kp.org/amazingfooddetective.
These awards reinforce positive feedback received from classroom teachers who have incorporated the educational video game into their curriculum and are noticing a marked improvement in student eating habits. The program included a survey of teachers who received the game and learning materials, in which 79 percent found the game was effective, useful and fun. Teachers also noted that the video game influenced students, who began to replace junk food in their lunches with fresh fruits and vegetables. Another observation was that students were becoming more active both at school and at home with their families.
About Kaiser Permanente
Kaiser Permanente is committed to helping shape the future of health care. We are recognized as one of America’s leading health care providers and not-for-profit health plans. Founded in 1945, our mission is to provide high-quality, affordable health care services and to improve the health of our members and the communities we serve. We currently serve 8.6 million members in nine states and the District of Columbia. Care for members and patients is focused on their total health and guided by their personal physicians, specialists and team of caregivers. Our expert and caring medical teams are empowered and supported by industry-leading technology advances and tools for health promotion, disease prevention, state-of-the art care delivery and world-class chronic disease management. Kaiser Permanente is dedicated to care innovations, clinical research, health education and the support of community health. For more information, go to: www.kp.org/newscenter.
