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Kent schools take on the 'Health Challenge'

1st February 2008, 1:28pm

Six schools in Kent - three primary and three secondary have begun piloting a four-week innovative 'Health Challenge' programme.

The Health Challenge asks children, young people, teachers, school staff and parents to identify one challenge they would like to work towards to improve their health and well-being, from one of three challenge areas: healthy eating, feeling good inside and physical activity.

The programme commissioned by The Food Standards Agency (FSA) and run by NCB in partnership with the Kent Healthy Schools Programme, aims to support children, young people, their families and the wider community, to initiate and maintain healthier lifestyle changes.

Jo Butcher, Assistant Director of Well-being at NCB, said: 'Poor diet, significantly reduced levels of physical activity and emotional health problems are a major concern for our children and young people's health and well-being, now and in later life.

"NCB is delighted to be piloting this innovative programme with our partners and schools. The challenge is not designed to be intimidating, it's about children and young people choosing and making small, easy and fun changes that will help them to feel good on the inside and feel fit on the outside. Small steps lead to big changes."

Participants can keep a journal to help them review progress and keep motivated, and will be provided with information beforehand and support throughout the challenge.

Schools will report back at the end of the four weeks, and participate in follow up evaluation and celebration activities.

Carol Healy, Kent Healthy Schools Programme Manager at Kent County Council said: 'Through this challenge we hope to support children, young people and their families to start to make small but important lifestyle changes. Health inequalities can make it easier for some people to pursue and maintain healthy lifestyles than others.

"We need to ensure that everyone is able to make healthier choices and access support regardless of where they live. We want the schools involved in the pilot, to take a whole-school approach, with every pupil, staff and parents taking on some kind of challenge."

Examples of challenge ideas:

Healthy Eating

Having a healthy breakfast at home or school every day, for example cereal and semi-skimmed milk
Using half your usual amount of sugar or salt in food and drinks daily and eventually cut down to no added sugar or salt.

Feeling good inside

Spend five minutes doing an activity that totally takes your mind off your worries, for example learn a new skill such as hula-hoop or juggling
Keep a doodle diary – doodle a cartoon of someone who has had a positive effect on your life that day for example a teacher, parent, friend, neighbour, police officer or lunchtime supervisor.

Physical activity

Walk to and from school as often as you can
Spend time playing with your friends and family.

Related Articles:

18 Jun 2009 - Kent school kids invited to enter fruit & veg masterclass
28 Apr 2009 - Kent County Council extends deal with Chartwells

Words Clare Riley 0 comments

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