Discovery Familia Joins In The Fight Against Obesity Among Hispanics

Discovery Familia Joins In The Fight Against Obesity Among Hispanics

The Network Commits to Phase Two of "The President's Challenge"

Looking to Motivate Hispanics Nationwide to Actively Participate in "PALA+"

MIAMI, May 23, 2012 /PRNewswire/ -- Discovery Familia announced today that it has joined in a second and important phase of "The President's Challenge," the premier program of the President's Council on Fitness, Sports and Nutrition (PCFSN). The challenge continues in 2012 with "PALA+," an initiative that not only promotes the importance of incorporating physical activity into an individual's daily routine, but also focuses on healthy eating habits. Discovery Familia, the only Hispanic TV channel actively supporting this national initiative, seeks to continue to be a positive force by bringing this message to the Hispanic community nationwide.

To view the multimedia assets associated with this release, please click: http://www.multivu.com/mnr/56151-discovery-familia-pala-plus

(Photo: http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20120523/MM09417 )

In 2011, Discovery Familia joined the PCFSN in the "Million PALA Challenge" that raised awareness about the dangers of obesity in the Hispanic community and promoted completion of the Presidential Active Lifestyle Award (PALA). The successful campaign has already helped to make a positive change in the lives of thousands of Hispanics. For the efforts of Discovery Familia to promote healthy lifestyles, the Secretary of Health and Human Services, Kathleen Sebelius presented the network with their own PALA certificate on behalf of the PCFSN for its leadership and initiative.

"Obesity among the Hispanic community in the United States continues to rise at an alarming rate, especially among preschool children and women. That's why we've decided to continue to support this vital cause. We look to motivate Hispanic families to adopt more active and healthier lifestyles via our programming, our website and other resources that we have at our disposal," said Bilai Joa Silar, Vice President and Channel Director, Discovery U.S. Hispanic, Discovery en Español and Discovery Familia.

To complete the "PALA+ Challenge," participants must engage in moderate or rigorous physical activity (children and young people ages six to 17 must engage in 60 minutes of exercise) at least five times per week for six weeks. The new nutritional component requires participants to select one healthy eating goal (there are eight and each week participants have to add one more, such as: opting for whole grains, fat-free proteins or portion control).

To complement and help spread this important message, Discovery Familia is actively working with PCFSN to promote "PALA+" participation to effect a positive change in the lives of Hispanic families, using a set of initiatives through its programming and on its website (samples follow):

On the air:


-- Television spot and interstitials featuring DOKI, the children's daytime
block programming host, who will issue a call to action, excite and
encourage kids about engaging in exercise as well as outdoor physical
activities.
-- Special programming created specifically to encourage children to
exercise. This programming includes episodes of popular series: Vamos
con Bo, Hi-5, Rob el robot, Mecanimales and Fifi y los floriguitos.
Programs will air the week of June 4-10 beginning at 5 PM E/P.
On the Web:


-- To facilitate participation in the "PALA+ Challenge" the channel has
created the microsite www.discoveryfamilia.com/pala with information on
how to sign up to participate. The site also features videos, health
tips, easy recipes and other useful resources like a digital calculator
to help measure calories.
To learn more about Discovery Familia, including interactive games, videos, programming news and more visit www.discoveryfamilia.com or follow us on facebook.com/discoveryfamilia.

About Discovery Familia

Part of Discovery Communications, Discovery Familia is the only Spanish language network completely dedicated to the Hispanic mom and what's important to her: her kids, her home and her well-being. With insightful programming targeted to children aged 2-6, the network's daily Discovery Kids block provides a safe, entertaining and curriculum-based co-viewing experience that helps preschoolers get ready for the real world. Each night, Discovery Familia is programmed for mom, spanning relevant topics from cooking and home improvement, to parenting and relationships, to beauty and health. With trusted content, entertaining programs and unmatched quality, Discovery Familia is a place that Hispanic moms and their children can call "home." For more information, visit www.discoveryfamilia.com or follow us on facebook.com/discoveryfamilia.

About the President's Challenge Physical Activity and Fitness Awards Program

The President's Challenge is the premier program of the President's Council on Fitness, Sports and Nutrition administered through a co-sponsorship agreement with the Amateur Athletic Union. The President's Challenge helps people of all ages and abilities increase their physical activity and improve their fitness through research-based information, easy-to-use tools, and friendly motivation. For more information about the President's Challenge or the Presidential Active Lifestyle Award, visit www.presidentschallenge.org.

SOURCE Discovery Familia

Photo:http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20120523/MM09417
http://photoarchive.ap.org/
Video:http://www.multivu.com/mnr/56151-discovery-familia-pala-plus
Discovery Familia

CONTACT: Heidi Lazo, +1-305-255-4133, heidi@adcompr.com; Angela D'Costa +1-305-866-4944, angela@adcompr.com


-------
Profile: intent