LAKE COUNTY – The Healthy Kids Are Contagious school site program of Sutter Lakeside Hospital and Center for Health invite the public Friday, March 21, from 6 to 7:30 p.m., for an evening of fun and games celebrating the release of “Ducky Love,” by Kelly Mather, author and Sutter Lakeside chief executive officer.

“Ducky Love” is Mather’s second children's book geared towards helping children understand and take charge of their health. The first, "The Five Keys to Wellness," introduced children to five basic principles for living a healthy lifestyle.

“Ducky Love” is written for younger children and focuses on the first key to wellness: self-love. Through a sweet and simple tale the main character Ducky learns, with the help of some other animal friends, that love of one’s self is the first important step towards true health and happiness.

Developed by Mather, both books and “The Five Keys to Wellness” concepts, which identify and promote five aspects of healthful living including self-love, breathing, positive choices, balance and trust, are an integral part of the Healthy Kids Are Contagious programs offered in schools throughout Lake County. These free programs bring health care professionals to classrooms to educate and inspire children about health.

“To improve health and lower health care costs in our county, we are reaching the kids,” said Mather. “The Healthy Kids Are Contagious program not only educates students about nutrition and exercise but it also addresses mental and emotional issues from our 'Five Keys to Wellness' principals, so they will be motivated to make healthier choices for a lifetime.”

The “Five Keys to Wellness” Mather refers to are self-love, breathing, positive choices, balance and trust.

The event will be held at the Marge Alakszay Center at Terrace Middle School in Lakeport.

Mather is a wife and mother of three children. She believes "healthy kids are contagious" and works with local schools and health care organizations to promote wellness.

She is on a mission put “health” back into “health care” by teaching that there are four levels of healing and using the "Five Keys to Wellness." She has written several books and teaches wellness and parenting classes across the country. For more information, visit HarmonyHealingHouse.com.

People of all ages are welcome to attend the free “Ducky Love” book release celebration and meet Ms. Mather, enjoy entertaining performances by local children, enjoy healthy snacks, play games and receive fun prizes.

For more information, please call the Sutter Lakeside Wellness Center for Health at 262-5171.

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