GENYOUth Foundation and Discovery Education Present Live Interactive Wellness Webinar With New York Jets Quarterback Mark Sanchez

NEW YORK, Sept. 27, 2011 /PRNewswire/ -- The GENYOUth Foundation, a nonprofit organization dedicated to combating childhood obesity, and its flagship program, Fuel Up to Play 60, will partner with Discovery Education, the leading provider of high-quality curriculum-based digital content to U.S. schools, to bring students and teachers across the nation in thousands of classrooms a free, interactive webinar featuring New York Jets quarterback, Mark Sanchez and GENYOUth CEO, Alexis Glick.  

Airing live from Central Park East Middle School in East Harlem, New York City on Sept. 27 at 12:00 p.m. EDST, the webinar, titled "Feed Your Mind with Exercise and Nutrition," will educate students and teachers about the importance of nutrition, wellness and exercise.  Glick will be moderating the discussion as Quarterback Mark Sanchez leads students through an opening, short warm-up activity, video and Q&A discussion to keep students interacting and engaged.

Teachers can request and register for the webinar by visiting www.discoveryeducation.com/FeedYourMind.

"I'm proud to partner with GENYOUth and Discovery Education on this important initiative that inspires and educates youth about good nutrition and exercise," said Sanchez. "Our nation's kids have the potential to be stronger and healthier than previous generations with the right support, so I'm happy to join the movement to make this happen."

In addition to guiding the students through exercise activities, Sanchez will answer student-submitted questions live. The interactive nature of the webinar will allow students and teachers all around the country to experience the activities first-hand.

"Discovery Education is proud to join GENYOUth in empowering children to make smart choices about fitness and nutrition," said Lori McFarling, Chief Marketing Officer, Discovery Education. "This interactive webinar will engage students and teachers nationwide and educate them about health and wellness ideas that are easy to apply at school, at home and at play."

"Our partnership with Discovery Education is just one of the initiatives GENYOUth is taking on to combat the alarming rates of childhood obesity in America," said Glick. "Studies show that physical activity and nutrition enhance children's learning capabilities and lead to better performance in the classroom, so this webinar is the perfect way to empower youth to join the movement and stay active."

The "Feed Your Mind with Exercise and Nutrition" webinar will offer inspiring content, good-for-you food ideas from the students' and experts' point of view, that encourage others to stay physically active each day, and ultimately reap the rewards and benefits through improved classroom performance.

GENYOUth Foundation works with schools, communities and business partners to develop and support programs that create lasting changes in child health and wellness arena including its flagship program, Fuel Up to Play 60 (FUTP60).

For more information about GENYOUth and the Discovery Education webinar, please visit www.genyouthfoundation.org.

About GENYOUth

Over the past ten years, we have seen explosive growth in the number of children identified as overweight or obese. GENYOUth was founded through an unprecedented public-private partnership with National Dairy Council (NDC) and the National Football League (NFL) committed to the powerful combination of physical activity and proper nutrition. Our flagship program, Fuel Up to Play 60, is the largest health and wellness in-school program across the country, giving GENYOUth the platform to build on through collaboration with students and thought leaders in health, education, government and business in a movement to reverse childhood obesity rates. GENYOUth empowers students to improve nutrition and physical activity with small steps to accelerate a lifetime of healthy changes. When youth are given a voice, change can happen. It starts with you! For more information, visit www.genyouthfoundation.org.

About Fuel Up to Play 60

Fuel Up to Play 60 is an in-school nutrition and physical activity program launched by National Dairy Council (NDC) and National Football League (NFL), with additional partnership support from U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA). The program encourages youth to consume nutrient-rich foods (low-fat and fat-free dairy, fruits, vegetables and whole grains) and achieve at least 60 minutes of physical activity every day.

Fuel Up to Play 60 is designed to engage and empower youth to take action for their own health by implementing long-term, positive changes for themselves and their schools. Customizable and non-prescriptive program components are grounded in research with youth, including tools and resources, in-school promotional materials, a website and student challenges. Fuel Up to Play 60 is further supported by several health and nutrition organizations: Action for Healthy Kids, American Academy of Family Physicians, American Academy of Pediatrics, American Dietetic Association, National Hispanic Medical Association, National Medical Association and School Nutrition Association. Visit FuelUpToPlay60.com to learn more.

About Discovery Education

Discovery Communications revolutionized television with Discovery Channel and is now transforming classrooms through Discovery Education. Powered by the number one nonfiction media company in the world, Discovery Education combines scientifically proven, standards-based digital media and a dynamic user community in order to empower teachers to improve student achievement. Already, more than half of all U.S. schools access Discovery Education digital services. Explore the future of education at www.discoveryeducation.com.

SOURCE GENYOUth Foundation