NBC Universal Begins First 'Healthy Week' 6/20-26

NBC Universal will launch its first "Healthy Week" June 20, a massive cross-platform event tackling the topics of nutritional literacy and fitness. The week is part of "Healthy at NBCU," the company's initiative aimed at connecting consumers, marketers, and employees with its breadth of health and wellness content. It was announced by Lauren Zalaznick, President of NBCU Universal Women & Lifestyle Entertainment networks, who oversees "Healthy At NBCU."

Throughout the week NBCU brands across the company, both on-air and online, and numerous NBCU talent, will participate with health-themed content and tips. Click here for an exclusive Q&A with NBCU stars, who share their healthiest habits and reveal a few unhealthy vices they need to work on.

"NBC Universal has the unique opportunity to join in a national dialogue around critical issues such as health through our vast media and content portfolio," said Zalaznick. "With 33% of U.S. adults and 1 in every 5 kids obese, we can make a positive difference in this nationwide crisis by encouraging consumers to live a healthier lifestyle as we inform, educate, and entertain them."

Zalaznick also announced the launch of a new portal, HealthyatNBCU.com, with links to various brands' digital health content, as well as health quizzes and a programming guide for the entire week. NBCU is also launching a Facebook page - chock full of health-themed content, photos and videos - as well as a Twitter account to encourage followers to share their personal health tips using the #healthyat hashtag.

In connection with "Healthy Week," Universal Studios Hollywood announced the opening of the new International Café to provide theme park guests with healthy food choices. Consistent with Universal Studios Hollywood policies for all of the theme park's restaurants, all foods at the International Café are trans-fat free (see separate release).

Behind the cameras, the entire employee base will mobilize around health and fitness activities from free blood pressure and cholesterol screenings, to healthy specials and nutrition labeling in the commissaries, as well as group fitness walks, yoga classes - and much more. The pre-kick-off event will occur in New York's Central Park on June 19th, where NBCU is sponsoring "Adventures NYC," an afternoon of outdoor health and fitness activities, in conjunction with the NYC Department of Parks & Recreation and Backpacker magazine (see separate release for details).

Content highlights for the week include:

NBC Sports: Kicking off NBCU's weeklong slate of healthy programming, NBC Sports' coverage of the U.S. Open PGA Tour on June 20th will take viewers inside the players' mobile workout facilities and services.

NBC News: Throughout the week, the entire NBC News division will feature "Be Well, Be Healthy," a cross-network series of extensive health news coverage, focusing on fitness, food and nutrition labeling.

CNBC: CNBC will re-air their special "One Nation, Overweight," which examines the medical, business, scientific, and cultural trends that are contributing to the obesity epidemic in America. In addition, "Healthy Investing" segments will run on Business Day throughout week. On June 26th, Suze Orman will address the interconnectedness of health and wealth, while Fast Money will examine the business side of the food and exercise industry.

MSNBC: MSNBC will tackle the politics of food with daily reports on health related topics with Dr. Nancy Snyderman. MSNBC.com will be the online hub of all NBC News videos, as well as feature healthy tips for families.

NBC Primetime: Losing it With Jillian will feature health and wellness expert Jillian Michaels, as she travels to Goodlettsville, Tennessee and helps a family of four get into shape. The family partakes in a step competition, roller-skating-plus, they throw out a deep fryer that is one of the culprits of their weight gain.

The More You Know: The current season of NBCU's award-winning "The More You Know" public service campaign spotlights various topics across the health and wellness spectrum such as diabetes, cardiovascular disease, stroke awareness and nutrition. The multi-platform campaign also debuted an anti-childhood obesity PSA featuring First Lady Michelle Obama. Check out all the spots here.

Bravo: A special healthy episode of Top Chef will challenge cheftestants to create a nutritious meal for middle school students using the actual school meal budget of $2.68 per child. Special guest judge Sam Kass, Assistant White House Chef and coordinator of the First Lady 's childhood anti-obesity initiative, will help choose the winner. Health-related episodes of other Bravo favorites will also air throughout the week.

Oxygen: A new episode of Dance Your A** Off challenges contestants to create a routine that shows off their personalities. But they won't have to do it alone - this week they also meet their professional dance partners for the first time.

USA: Royal Pains - which chronicles the Hamptons' hottest doctor-in-demand, Hank Lawson - will feature a new episode that follows Hank on a trip out of the country for some gene therapy research.

mun2: Shuffle Host Pico will discuss his personal struggle with weight loss, and encourage the audience throughout the week to "stand up" for its health.

Telemundo: Telemundo news and entertainment programs will feature numerous segments on better nutrition for Hispanics including: calculating calories, shopping healthier at the supermarket, cooking with healthier ingredients, and managing a sensible diet for children.

iVillage: iVillage kicks off their "Get Healthy Now" Community Health Challenge on June 21st, aimed at helping women and their families lead healthier lives.

NBC Local Stations: The NBC Local News Stations will air daily segments on healthy living called "Be Active, Live Healthy." Plus, LX New York will feature healthy lifestyle segments throughout the week.

NBCU Television Distribution: Access Hollywood will launch a series of celebrity fitness and wellness segments branded as "Healthy Hollywood," both on-air and on their website. Throughout the week and on a special healthy-themed weekend show, Access will examine the various ways celebrities get fit and stay healthy both inside and out.

NBC Digital Networks: www.HealthGoesStrong.com, a vibrant health and wellness destination for boomers who are living well and going strong, launches on June 21st as part of the new boomer-focused Web property "Life Goes" from NBC Digital Networks and Procter & Gamble Productions.