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The Healthy Foundation Provides Vitamins to Increase Academic Achievement and Decrease Stress and Trauma From Terrorist Attacks

MLONG BRANCH, N.J., Sept. 27 /PRNewswire/ -- The Healthy Foundation in conjunction with Congressman Frank Pallone (D-NJ) and the Long Branch School District will launch the Vitamin Relief USA — Children First program on October 1st. Through this program, The Healthy Foundation will provide over 1,000 children at Elberon, Lenna W. Conrow and Gregory elementary schools of the Long Branch School District with a high-quality children's chewable multivitamin every day for the entire school year. Providing vitamin supplements to at-risk children has been shown to improve academic performance, decrease aggressive and violent behavior and provide relief to stress and trauma.

The Healthy Foundation began its national initiative Vitamin Relief USA — Children First last year as a public-private partnership to distribute daily children's chewable multivitamin/mineral supplements to children at-risk for malnutrition and nutrient deficiency. "We originally began this vitamin distribution program to help children learn more, get better grades, and to develop to their full mental and physical capabilities. However, in light of the trauma many children are experiencing as a result of the terrorist assaults, these vitamins are needed now more than ever," said Michael Morton, Ph.D., Executive Director of The Healthy Foundation.

Since the attacks of September 11th, numerous experts in child development have reported evidence of widespread trauma and high stress in children, particularly those living on the East Coast. Although parental care and nurturing are most needed to overcome childhood trauma, research indicates that vitamin supplementation is an important supportive measure.

"During highly stressful times like these, children's bodies quickly use up their water-soluble vitamins such as Vitamin C, the B vitamins and folic acid. When these vitamins are depleted, it is more difficult for children to cope with their emotions," says Dr. Hyla Cass, President of The Healthy Foundation and renowned psychiatrist. "Vitamin supplements from Vitamin Relief USA — Children First™ will replenish these school children's essential vitamins and micro-nutrients every day. It will allow the children to process this tragedy more calmly, and to strengthen their bodies so they can move forward in their growth and development toward a brighter future for themselves and for our nation," Dr. Cass said.

The early success of the program has caught the attention of members of Congress. Congressman Pallone and Senator Tom Harkin (D-IA) are asking Congress for funding to expand Children First to provide daily vitamins for an additional 30,000 at-risk children and to substantiate previous research indicating that vitamin supplements can improve children's school grades, test scores, health and well-being while minimizing disruptive, oppositional and violent behavior.

About The Healthy Foundation

The Healthy Foundation is a tax-exempt, non-profit foundation committed to improving the health status of children and adults through vitamin supplementation. Vitamin Relief USA — Children First currently provides donated 30-day bottles of high quality children's chewable vitamins to over 7,200 children from low-income families at 80 sites in 33 states.

The vitamins and program sponsors include Tishcon Corp., Longevity Sciences, Natural Factors, Rx Vitamins, Nutrition Formulators, Elan Intl., SETCO, Tim Plastics, Creative Image, Mini Graphics and New Hope Natural Media. Collaborative program partner agencies and organizations include Volunteers of America, Save the Children, Health Care for the Homeless Clinician's Network, America's Second Harvest, Vitamin Angel Alliance, MedCorps International, Head Start programs, K-12 grade schools and school districts, and countless other faith based and community-based groups.

For further information, please contact Michael Morton of The Healthy Foundation at 1-909-696-0552 or www.healthfound.org.

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