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The DVD, "Max's Magical Delivery, Fit for Kids," was produced by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services with The Discovery Channel and in partnership with The American Academy of Pediatrics, the American Academy of Family Physicians and FitTV. The DVD focuses on preventing childhood obesity through exercise and nutrition.

In South Carolina, Companion HealthCare and BlueCross were joined by the South Carolina Alliance for Health, Physical Education, Recreation and Dance and a new organization, the South Carolina Coalition for Obesity Prevention and Education, in providing the DVDs to the schools at no charge.

The DVD targets children ages six to nine and includes sections for children and parents. The children's section can be used in the classroom and is interactive and engaging in teaching the importance of regular physical activity and proper nutrition and the positive effects of these on their bodies.

"Childhood obesity is a growing threat to our children," said Dr. Laura Bird Long, chief medical officer of Companion HealthCare. "Over 15 percent, or nine million, children in the United States are overweight and one out of seven is obese, which is triple the rate of 20 years ago."

"Children who are obese have greater risks for life threatening diseases as well as other illnesses that affect quality of life," said Dr. John M. Little, chief medical officer of BlueCross BlueShield. "Lack of physical activity and poor eating habits are key factors in the obesity epidemic. We hope the 'Max' DVD will help educators in South Carolina teach their young students healthy lifestyle behaviors."