PEOPLE are urged to join a scheme to enhance the fitness of their entire family.
Families with children aged seven to 13 can join the scheme to improve their diet and fitness via Sainsbury’s and a display was staged at the supermarket’s Shorehead store explaining what it’s all about.
They are urged to sign up to the Mind, Exercise, Nutrition… Do it! programme – or Mend for short.
It is run by food advisors from Sainsbury’s.
People who have gone on the scheme in other parts of the country take 2.5 hours more exercise each week and watch more than five hours less TV each week.
The Mend programme lasts for 10 weeks and involves twice weekly fun activities to improve children’s fitness, physical activity levels, nutrition and self-esteem.
The focus is on simple and effective techniques designed to help parents improve their child’s overall diet and fitness.
Activities include games, nutrition sessions, a supermarket tour and a recipe-tasting evening.
Judith Walters, food advisor at Sainsbury’s Shorehead store said: “Mend is a great programme that actively tackles childhood obesity by involving the whole family in making healthier choices and following an active lifestyle.
“It’s about empowerment, putting the child at the centre of a range of ways to make life changes in terms of physical activity, food, self-confidence and personal development. I’m very much looking forward to introducing this fantastic scheme to families in Huddersfield.”
Paul Sacher, Mend’s Research Director, said: “Obesity among children is an urgent, growing health epidemic and the problem is accelerating rather then slowing down.
“The Mend programme combines all the elements needed to combat obesity. With Sainsbury’s generous support we are now able to expand the programme and support more families across the country.”
To join the programme contact the Mend Careline on 020 7231 7225 or go to www.mendprogramme.org and click on Sign up to a MEND Programme.
