Lighten Up! addresses the problem of childhood obesity. It is a highly interactive, 50-minute musical show designed to help children, in grades K-6, learn the value of exercise and good nutrition. The show deals with the serious problems of excess weight and obesity in an entertaining and totally non-threatening way. Children are encouraged to develop the knowledge, skills, attitudes and behaviors needed to make health-enhancing choices. In every musical number, the kids participate, by answering questions, volunteering, and moving along with Slim.

What are the program objectives?

Lighten Up! is designed to help students:

• Understand the benefits of good nutrition
• How to make better food choices
• Understand the body's need for physical activity
• Become smarter consumers
• Attain competencies related to national education standards

Students Learn About:

• The USDA's food guide, ChooseMyPlate
• Nutrition and how different kinds of foods affect the body
• Junk food and why too much sugar and fat is harmful to health
• How advertisers influence our food choices
• The proper balance of calories in to calories out
• Portion size and how it affects issues of obesity
• Decision making and goal setting

Presentation of Information:

Lighten Up! engages student's attention through the use of:

• Original Music
• Loads of audience participation
• 3d movie projections
• Astounding and diverse visuals