The Tale of Two Athletes

The Tale of Two Athletes: The Story of Jumper and The Thumper is a "true life story" written by the husband and wife team of Drs' M. Christopher and Jeana Griffith. The story was written to make a lasting impression on the hearts and minds of children and their families and to help in the battle against childhood obesity. The story is told through the eyes of Jasmine, a pre-teen girl who feels that she is losing a fight with weight problems. She finally recognizes that she cannot do it anymore on her own. She summons great courage and finds the help that she is looking for from her doctor, Dr. G. Dr. G invites Jasmine to a program that he has developed to help children who are overweight, which changes her through the telling of The Tale of Two Athletes: The Story of Jumper and The Thumper. The story Jasmine hears is about two college athletes (Jumper and The Thumper) who develop a lifetime friendship and work toward achieving their dreams. The role of diet, exercise, and healthy eating patterns play critical roles in the development of the characters. Jumper achieves his career aspiration of becoming a physician and The Thumper finally makes it to "Big Time" and fulfills his dream of becoming a professional football player. The story then takes an abrupt turn in the lives of Jumper and The Thumper, but in the end personal tragedy is turned into triumph. This is truly an amazing story that children and their parents will never forget. It will help to personalize their battle against childhood obesity.

M. Christopher Griffith, M.D. is a child and adolescent psychiatrist. He is an Assistant Professor at Morehouse School of Medicine, a physician at the Student Health Center at Georgia Tech, and has a private practice in Stockbridge, Georgia. Jeana R. Griffith, Ph.D. is a licensed Clinical Psychologist. She is an adjunct faculty member for Emory University School of Medicine and is a contract therapist for Georgia State University Counseling & Testing Center. Dr. Griffith specializes in coping with chronic illness, depression, anxiety, and issues related to minority populations. The Griffiths are tackling childhood obesity through an innovative, multi-disciplinary approach that incorporates mental health, nutrition, and exercise. Their ideas focus upon obesity and the mental health needs associated with underserved and minority populations.