FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:

FitKids is a seven-week course currently delivered to fourth grade students in the southern part of the state. The program is the brainchild of Dr. Charles Cappetta, a Dartmouth-Hitchcock Nashua pediatrician and President of the New Hampshire Pediatrics Society. Doctor Cappetta currently delivers the FitKids program to students in the greater-Nashua area, with a focus on educating students about the importance of healthy lifestyles, physical activity and promoting an understanding of the body systems.

MVP will underwrite funding for additional FitKids educational materials and Commissioner Stephen will help Dr. Cappetta present the program in classrooms. FitKids covers a variety of health topics, including the various body systems, the damaging effects of tobacco use and the importance of physical activity and regular exercise.

"The daily lifestyle decisions we make including what we eat, whether or not to use tobacco and how much we exercise has an impact on our overall health," Chris Henderson, New Hampshire Regional Administrator for MVP said at a press conference announcing the plan. "That's why we're proud to be supporting FitKids because it reaches kids at a critical developmental stage and educates them in a fun and interactive manner about the importance of making healthy decisions."

Each week FitKids instructors work with teachers, administrators and students on interactive and educational projects like showing the path of food as it travels through an "intestinal tract" that runs the length of the classroom, edible Jell-O brains and tobacco-related educational materials like the "Cup-O-Cancer."

"FitKids taps into children's youthful energy and natural curiosity to show them how their body works and how the lifestyle decisions they make affect their bodies," said Dr. Cappetta. "Thanks to the support of MVP, the ongoing support of organizations like Dartmouth-Hitchcock Nashua, Southern New Hampshire Medical Center and Commissioner Stephen's involvement, we'll be able to bring the program into more classrooms next year."

As Commissioner of DHHS and the father of two young children, John Stephen recognizes that it is important to equip kids at an early age with the knowledge and skills to have a healthy and active lifestyle.

"An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure," said Stephen. "DHHS is always looking for ways to get the message of prevention to everybody, but especially to parents and children. Good diet and exercise habits can last a lifetime and will dramatically improve overall health. We are thrilled to take part in this important initiative and we look forward to bringing this award-winning program to the kids of New Hampshire."

Commissioner Stephen and State Public Health Officials will join Dr. Cappetta to present the FitKids program periodically throughout the 2005-2006 school year.

The Manchester Wolves Arena Football Team and New Hampshire Fisher Cats baseball team have also thrown their support behind the program and at different points during the school year will send players or the teams mascots to schools during FitKids presentations.

"We are pleased to be taking part in this great program," said Angelo Mazzella, Manchester Wolves general manager. "I have three small children of my own, and just like our players, I understand how important it is for them to eat right and be physically active."

"The FitKids program is an excellent way to educate kids about the benefits of a healthy lifestyle," said Shawn Smith Fisher Cats general manager. "As role models in the community, the Fisher Cats organization is pleased to support this nationally recognized program right here at home."

MVP Health Care is an independent, not-for-profit health insurer that has been nationally recognized for customer satisfaction and clinical excellence. MVP offers a broad spectrum of fully insured and self-insured health benefits plans to more than a half-million members in New York state, Vermont and New Hampshire. For more information, please visit www.mvphealthcare.com.