Cartoon Network and Anna Kournikova To Combat Childhood Obesity
By John Eggerton -- Broadcasting & Cable, 5/18/2007 7:49:00 AM
Tennis star Anna Kournikova and Cartoon Network. will play a doubles match against childhood obesity.
Cartoon Network is producing a DVD called "Get Animated with Anna Kournikova" that is being aimed at non-athletic kids.
The DVD's, which will be distributed through Boys and Girls Clubs of America, encourages kids to take five-minute breaks for exercises like pretending to jump rope or doing bicep curls with soup cans. Targeting kids who spend too much time indoors and for classroom use, the DVD's hammer home the point that "absolutely every child can find a way to raise his or her heart rate, burn some calories and become more fit—even in a non-traditional setting like a classroom” The network in unveiled the campaign at the Boys and Girls Clubs in Orlando on Friday.
The DVD will also serve to promote the network since it features Cartoon Network animated characters assisting the real-live Kournikova with the exercises. There will also be an instruction book, logs, and certificates of achievement.
Cartoon will promote the DVD with online banners, hotlinks and videos on CartoonNetwork.com.
Networks have been emphasizing physical activity in the wake of a growing childhood obesity health crisis and a government-industry effort to rein in marketing of snack foods to kids and encourage more exercise.
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and improve self-esteem in a dynamic, inspiring way. This innovative
program is supported by descriptive fitness updates and essential
nutrition guidelines for all those wanting to lead a healthy and fit
lifestyle.
Although Michael''''''''''''''''s clientele include such famous names as Matt
Damon, Al Pacino, Kevin Spacey, Keith Urban and many others, his true
passion is in helping everyday people. Michael has spent over 20 years
of his life educating and teaching the public about fitness. Having
suffered as an obese child himself, with incredible drive and
determination he overcame his eating disorder and went on to become
Teenage Mr. America, Mr. Collegiate USA, and Mr. California. This
exemplifies that with proper guidance, learning of good nutritional
habits and the use of research-based professional training that if you
can imagine it, it can become a reality.
Michael and his team of experts have recently launched "Fitness
Nation." Their mission is to travel around the country helping obese
children and their parents create healthier lifestyles. They will educate
communities nationwide how they can help prevent and alleviate
childhood obesity. His team includes Dr. Karlis Ullis, Clinical Professor
at UCLA and Director of Nutrition for Children''''''''''''''''s Fitness Academy and
Rona Freeman, Healthy Gourmet Chef and Life Coach. Together, they
will go into homes, schools and work places to evaluate their daily
environment. They''''''''''''''''ll meet with organizations and government agencies
to help implement a well-structured wellness program.
Operation Fitness will create awareness and provide simple methods
for both children and their parents to change their way of life---one
child, one parent, one community and one state at a time, until we can
truly become a healthier, happier and substantially more productive
nation.
Michael is currently embarking on a "Global Initiative" to build alliances
with various health organizations to establish proper strategic planning
to help fight the epidemic of obesity. His travels have taken him to
Munich, Cologne and Hamburg in Germany
