Help children to MEND their ways
YOUNGSTERS who may have over-indulged over Christmas are set to be helped by an inspirational course to help them lose weight.
Families in West Norfolk with overweight children are being encouraged to make 2008 the year they take action with free places being offered on the MEND programmes which feature changing attitudes of Mind, Exercise, Nutrition and then Doing it!
Norfolk Primary Care Trust is recruiting families for the programmes which begin across the county next week.
The ten-week programmes comprise two, two-hour sessions a week and is designed to change families – not just by reducing the weight of children.
Developed over five years by experts in the childhood obesity field, MEND is the UK’s largest-ever healthy lifestyle programme for overweight children aged seven to 13.
Anna Suckling, specialist paediatric dietitian, MEND paediatric obesity trainer and accredited sports dietitian for Norfolk PCT, said: “There have already been three programmes in Norfolk over the past year and the outcomes and feedback have been very positive.
“It is commonplace for youngsters who take part to change body shape by reducing their waist circumference and to achieve a healthier weight for their age, which results not only in them being healthier and fitter but also gaining in self-esteem and confidence.
“Our experience so far has shown that MEND is also a great way to make lasting friendships and the programmes represents a wonderful opportunity for families to make a positive start to the new year.”
MEND requires at least one parent or adult carer to attend each session with their child as the programme aims to improve the entire family’s eating and exercise habits, and so promoting sustained improvements in overall health, fitness and well-being.
Among those leading the programmes are nutritionists, exercise specialists, health trainers and sports teachers.
Families unable to find a place on the programmes starting this month will be put on a waiting list. For more information ring 01603 307258. Alternatively, email lynne.mather@norfolk-pct.nhs.uk
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Sunday 27 May 2012
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