Exercising outdoors boost to combat Sunderland's obesity issues
27/07/2010 Families in Sunderland are being encouraged to enjoy the benefits of outdoor play this summer as part of the council's scheme to beat obesity in the region.
As the holidays kick off, Sunderland Children's Centres hope that by encouraging families to do more activities together this summer they can help get kids in the region healthier.
Recent research showed that 21.4 per cent of Sunderland's 11 year olds are overweight or obese, reported the Diss Express.
Sunderland City Council has joined forces with other organisations across the city, including Sunderland Teaching Primary Care Trust, to promote the benefits of outdoor play and taking advantage of the outdoor play parks and leisure facilities on offer.
As part of the venture they set up the Lifestyle, Activity and Food (LAF) programme who have already visited children in local primary schools and children's centres to share information on healthy eating and exercise.
Earlier this month health organisation MEND launched National Childhood Obesity Week aiming to highlight the scale of this health epidemic and encourage people to change their lifestyles. According to MEND, an estimated three million children in the UK are thought to be overweight or obese.
As the holidays kick off, Sunderland Children's Centres hope that by encouraging families to do more activities together this summer they can help get kids in the region healthier.
Recent research showed that 21.4 per cent of Sunderland's 11 year olds are overweight or obese, reported the Diss Express.
Sunderland City Council has joined forces with other organisations across the city, including Sunderland Teaching Primary Care Trust, to promote the benefits of outdoor play and taking advantage of the outdoor play parks and leisure facilities on offer.
As part of the venture they set up the Lifestyle, Activity and Food (LAF) programme who have already visited children in local primary schools and children's centres to share information on healthy eating and exercise.
Earlier this month health organisation MEND launched National Childhood Obesity Week aiming to highlight the scale of this health epidemic and encourage people to change their lifestyles. According to MEND, an estimated three million children in the UK are thought to be overweight or obese.
