Lewis-Gale Medical Center Sends Musical Message to Schools

Roanoke Valley elementary school children will soon discover that broccoli and brussel sprouts can be fun, thanks to a collaboration between Lewis-Gale Medical Center and Roanoke Children’s Theatre. 

“Cooking It!” is an original musical play designed to teach children about healthy eating and lifestyle choices, and it debuts on Friday, January 29 to the entire student body of Herman L. Horn Elementary School in Vinton.  The musical, which stars 5th graders from Herman L. Horn Elementary, will later be produced at other Roanoke County elementary schools. 

“What better way to communicate important messages about making smart lifestyle choices to young people?” says Nancy May, Vice President of Marketing & Public Relations for HCA Southwest Virginia Market.  May says that when she was contacted by Roanoke Children’s Theatre with the idea for the partnership, “we felt it was a great fit because it supported Lewis-Gale’s mission of making communities healthier.”  

“We’ve all seen reports about the obesity epidemic among children,” May explains.  “And Lewis-Gale Medical Center understands the urgency of reaching children while they’re still forming habits that will affect their health for a lifetime.”

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, the childhood obesity rate has tripled for children aged 6 to 11 years over the past 30 years, and obesity-associated annual hospital costs for children and risen threefold in the past 20 years.
“Cooking It!” uses music, dance, puppets and an interactive format to engage students in the performance, which was directed by Roanoke Children’s Theatre artistic director Pat Wilhelms. “Our professional actors had great fun working with 5th graders at Herman L. Horn Elementary to bring this unique musical to life,” says Wilhelms.  The students memorized dialogue, music and aerobic dance numbers as well as how to prepare healthful, delicious foods.

Take-home materials and recipes will reinforce nutritional education for the entire family.  Wilhelms says she looks forward to taking characters Brock Broccoli, Brussel Sprout and others to elementary schools throughout Roanoke County in 2010.

For more about “Cooking It!” visit www.roanokechildrenstheatre.org.