Lake County General Health District Offers Stipend for Childhood Obesity Play

In partnership with The Fine Arts Association of Willoughby and screen writer Mr. Greg Vovos, Lake County General Health District continues to increase awareness of childhood obesity in Lake County by sponsoring four free encore performances of the “The Weighting Game” on November 9 and 16, 2012 at The Fine Arts Association in Willoughby, Ohio at 11:00 a.m. and 1:00 p.m. each day.

The purpose of the play is to raise awareness of how being overweight or obese can impact the life choices of families and children in an engaging and thought-provoking manner.

“Even being mildly overweight can have long-lasting negative health impacts on children, such as depression, low self esteem, and difficulty with academic performance. The feedback from the first showings of the play by teachers and students was outstanding,” said Lake County General Health District Deputy Health Commissioner Ron Graham.

The LCGHD is looking for schools to support the play event by scheduling field trips to see the play. As an incentive, the Health District is offering a travel stipend to Lake County schools on a first come basis.

“Schools are very effective partners, but we also have to be respectful of all the mandates they are subject to.” The Health District also encourages all parents, community workers, and interested businesses to show their support by coming out to see the play. After the play, attendees will have the opportunity to provide feedback and discuss current concerns or problems related to obesity and mental health,” said Deputy Health Commissioner Graham. “In an effort to further support families, there are plans to have exhibitors set up after the play to promote resources in the community to help families learn more about available programs in the area.We are providing a coordinated effort in Lake County to support families that are looking to adopt healthier lifestyles and want to allow everyone to have the opportunity to become more active and eat healthier as a family or as an individual.”

The initial development of the play in 2011 was made possible through generous donations by the Action Communities for Health, Innovation, and EnVironmental ChangE (ACHIEVE) Lake County Initiative, Lake County General Health District, Lake Health, and the Lake County Alcohol, Drug Addiction and Mental Health Services Board.

Teachers and parents that would like to RSVP and interested sponsors may contact Karen Sarosy at 440-350-2451 or ksarosy@lcghd.org.

Source: Lake County General Health District