SPRINGFIELD, IL – The Illinois Department of Public Health is sponsoring presentations next week at eight Chicago metropolitan area elementary and junior high schools to promote better health among adolescents.

"This Is Your Life," presented by FOODPLAY Productions, combines theater with motivating health messages to help pre-teens build positive self-esteem and improve their eating, exercise and health habits.

The program, which targets fifth- through eighth-grade students, also emphasizes the importance of building bone now to prevent osteoporosis later in life. A recent study estimates only 10 percent of girls 9 through 13 years old receive the recommended daily intake of 1,300 milligrams of calcium, which is necessary for building strong bones.

The presentations will be at the following schools:

• • Alex M. Martino Junior High,
  New Lenox April 15 at 8:30 a.m., 10 a.m. and 1:45 p.m.

• • Springfield Elementary School,
  Midlothian April 16 at 9 a.m.

• • Central Park Elementary,
  Midlothian April 16 at 1 p.m.

• • Central Middle School,
  Tinley Park April 17 at 8:15 a.m. and 9:30 a.m.

• • Hinsdale Middle School,
  Hinsdale April 18 at 8 a.m.

• • Schrum Memorial Middle School,
  Calumet City April 18 at 12:30 p.m. and 1:30 p.m.

• • Orland Jr. High,
  Orland Park April 19 at 9 a.m.

• • Independence Jr. High,
  Palos Heights April 19 at 1:55 p.m.