"FoodPlay" Show to Inspire Healthy Eating Habits in School Children

"FoodPlay," an award-winning theater show aimed at inspiring healthy habits in children, will be presented to all fourth and fifth graders in the Brunswick schools on Friday, May 21, and as part of the grand opening festivities scheduled at the new Martin's Point Brunswick facility at Cook's Corner on Saturday, May 22.

Registration for the May 22 performance at Martin's Point Health Care in Cook's Corner, which is now free and open to the public, begins at 9 a.m.. However, advance reservations are required by calling 800-322-0280, ext. 1556.

"The show is a motivating, educational and entertaining way in which elementary school children can take charge of growing up healthy and fit," said Jan Wnek, M.D., medical director at Martin's Point.

FoodPlay also features "fantastic feats of juggling," colorful characters, health messages and audience participation. The performance addresses, among other things, nutrition, fitness, self-esteem and critical decision making. The show is presented by FoodPlay Productions of Northampton, Mass., with assistance from state departments of public health around the country. It was created by Barbara Storper, M.S., R.D., a leader in the field of children's nutrition.

Also, during the Saturday, May 22 grand opening, the public is invited to tour the new Martin's Point Health Care facility, located at the corner of Bath and Farley roads at Cook's Corner, from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Refreshments will be served and health screenings will be provided.

The new $1.7 million facility will feature four family practice physicians, five pediatricians and a staff of 35 health care professionals. The 12,700-square-foot center will offer extended hours, laboratory services, nutritional counseling, cardiology services and health education programs such as smoking cessation, weight control and stress management.

In addition to the new Brunswick facility, Martin's Point Health Care, based in Portland at 331 Veranda St., has clinics in Portland, Windham, and in Newington, N.H. The Topsham and Bath clinics have consolidated as part of the Brunswick facility, however, the Bath clinic will remain open indefinitely.

Established in 1981, Martin's Point has a staff of 240 health care professionals, serving approximately 43,000 patients in the areas of family practice, internal medicine, pediatrics, radiology, cardiology, mammography and other fields. Martin's Point holds a contract with the U.S. Department of Defense to provide health care services for retired military personnel and the dependents of active duty personnel, accepts all major health plans and insurance, including but not limited to HealthSource, Blue Cross and Blue Shield, Harvard Community Health Plan, Tufts Health Plan, Maine Partners, Champus, Tricare, Aetna, Cigna and NYLCare plans.

# # #