Change4Life
We're supporting Change4Life
Did you know that if we carry on as we are, 9 out of 10 of today's kids risk growing up with dangerous levels of fat in their bodies?
Quite simply, because modern life makes it hard to eat healthy food and get enough exercise, we can end up with too much fat in our bodies. This puts us at greater risk of illnesses such as type 2 diabetes, heart disease and cancer. Children are particularly vulnerable because the unhealthy habits they get into when they are young can turn into health problems when they're adults.
That's why Tees Valley Sportis supporting Change4Life. It's a nationwide movement which aims to help us all, but especially our kids, eat well, move more and live longer.
Join the healthy-living revolution
Change4Life aims to persuade families to change their lifestyles. It's a big challenge but we know it can be achieved if they get help and support from lots of different, trusted sources. After all, a few years ago recycling was something only really environmentally-conscious people did. And now it's a national habit.
If you can support Change4Life by passing on information to families you work with, you can play a part in this lifestyle revolution.
8 small changes 4 a healthier future
Change4Life isn't about telling families what to do. It's about providing parents with lots of tips and ideas so that they can choose the ways that will work best for their family.
There are 8 'changes' that parents need to make to help give their kids a healthier future. Here's a quick introduction to each one, together with a tip which you could pass on to parents.
1. sugar swaps
Swapping sugary snacks and drinks for ones that have no added sugar can make a significant difference to kids' calorie intake.
Example tip: Suggest to parents that they switch from giving their kids sugary drinks to giving them drinks with no added sugar such as water, unsweetened fruit juice or even sugar-free fizzy drinks.
2. me size meals
Even though they're growing, kids need to eat the right amount for their age - not too little and not too much.
Example tip: Explain to parents the importance of giving kids a portion that matches their size, not the same amount of food as themselves.
3. meal time
It's important for kids to have regular, proper meals to help them establish better eating habits.
Example tip: Encourage parents to make sure their kids eat breakfast - low sugar cereals, toast or fruit are a great way to kick-start their day.
4. snack check
Many snacks are full of things that are bad for us, so it's important to keep an eye on how many less healthy snacks kids are having.
Example tip: Suggest to parents that they keep count: many people are surprised how many sweets, crisps and biscuits their kids get through!
5. 5 A Day
It's easier than people often think to give kids five portions of fruit and veg a day. For kids, one portion is roughly a handful.
Example tip: Frozen and canned fruit and veg count too - it's quick and cheap to boil some frozen peas or open a can of sweetcorn.
6. cut back fat
We all know that too much fat is bad for us, but it's not always easy to tell where it's lurking.
Example tip: By grilling or baking food in the oven rather than frying it, parents can cut the fat content by as much as half.
7. 60 active minutes
Kids need to do at least 60 minutes of activity a day to help them stay happy and healthy.
Example tip: It doesn't have to be organised sport - running around, going to the playground or just walking instead of taking the car all count.
8. up and about
Spending too long in front of the TV, computer or video games can mean we don't burn off enough energy and store up fat in our bodies.
Example tip: Setting a daily time limit for sitting still (e.g. '2 hours max') is a good way for parents to keep their kids active.
You can find lots more tips and ideas, plus other ways that you can get involved, at www.nhs.uk/change4life(click on 'partners and supporters') or by calling 0300 123 3434.*
Sign up as a local support and get access to Change 4 Life branding and assets, go to the C4L home page and sign up on the partners and supporters page.
To access more resources to support you in promoting Change 4 Life visit the Department of Health Publications Site. www.dh.gov.uk/en/Publicationsandstatistics/index.htm
News for families and participants
Change4Life - have you joined us yet?
Did you know that if we carry on as we are, 9 out of 10 of today's kids risk growing up with dangerous levels of fat in their bodies? This can cause serious illnesses like heart disease, cancer and type 2 diabetes in later life.
We all want our children to grow up to be happy, healthy adults. But it can sometimes be hard to know how. So Change4Life has been launched to help us all, but especially our kids, eat well, move more and live longer.
Change4Life is all about making small changes to help your kids build healthy bodies. And here at Tees Valley Sport we're getting involved by encouraging you to contact activities and support near to you.
If your family has not yet joined Change4Life, why not do it today? You'll get lots of tips and ideas to help you make sure your kids are eating properly and getting enough exercise. Search for 'Change4Life' or call 0300 123 4567.*
Please see below a number of useful documents:
Resources:
- Handy Hints for people who can lend their support
- Campaign Update
- Resources for local supporters
- Start4Life Campaign (brief and full version)
- Adults Campaign - swap it, don't stop it
- Together we can...Find out what you can do to be part of the movement.
- Make use of the resources available...find out what is there to help
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