Nationally known author, creator of ‘Thumbs Up Johnnie’ to deliver positive healthy lifestyle messages to Elkhart students Tuesday

As part of Managed Health Services’ statewide campaign to raise awareness about the dangers of childhood obesity, a nationally known cartoon character will bring a special message to students in Elkhart on Tuesday (May 18) – one that warns them about the dangers of not being active or living healthy.

Thumbs Up Johnnie is a lovable cartoon character who owns The Longhorn Diner, where all the cowboys and cowgirls in Happy, Texas, gather for the best flapjacks around. He always has his hands full, flipping flapjacks, pouring milk and coffee and catering to his customers – things he couldn’t do if he weren’t physically active and mindful about his own good personal health. The character is the creation of Michelle Bain, who motivates herself as an author to create a world where children can learn through humor and by example.

“As a child, reading fueled my imagination,” said Bain, who created Thumbs Up Johnnie in 2002. “My stories are purposely structured with multi-layered humor, double entendres and idiosyncratic characters to make story lines interesting to many different types of readers.”

Bain will read her latest book, “Super CENTEAM 5: The Adventures of Thumbs Up Johnnie,” to students at two Elkhart schools Tuesday. At 8:45 a.m., she will read to kindergarteners through second graders at Roosevelt Elementary, 201 W. Wolf. At 10:15 a.m., Bain will share her message with third- to fifth-grade students at Hawthorne Elementary, 501 W. Lusher Ave.

Thumbs Up Johnnie will make a personal appearance at each school. Students will receive autographed copies of Bain’s book, character-themed bracelets and will take part in a pre- and a post-presentation test that will be issued by their classroom teachers.

Bain’s appearances are part of the Adopt a School program sponsored nationally by Centene Corp. and in Indiana by Centene-owned Managed Health Services (MHS), one of the state’s healthcare providers for Hoosier Medicaid recipients.

“Childhood obesity is a serious health concern that is wreaking havoc on our Indiana children,” said Dr. Robert Baker, vice president of medical affairs at MHS. “The prevalence of obesity in children ages 2 through 19 has increased up to nearly 18 percent in some age groups from just 20 years ago. Today, 15 percent of Indiana youth in grades 9-12 are overweight and another 14 percent are obese. Those numbers are far too high.”

MHS is currently in the midst of raising awareness about the dangers of childhood obesity among its membership throughout the state and promoting physical activity, an increased consumption of fruits and vegetables and a decline in the time youth spend watching TV and playing video games.

Elkhart schools are actively promoting the consumption of more fresh fruits and vegetables in all schools as well, including a free fruits and vegetables program in place in its three middle schools and two high schools.

Paid for from the district’s Food Service budget, students can select among apples, peaches, pineapple, pears and mixed fruits as a morning boost and green beans, corn, mixed vegetables, peas and carrots at lunchtime or in the afternoons.

“The program is becoming more and more popular every day,” said Pam Melcher, director of food service with Elkhart Community School Corp.

The free fruit and vegetables program was implemented this year. More fresh fruits and vegetables are being offered in the district’s elementary schools as well; the program will fully expand to elementary schools next year, Melcher said.

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