Keeping it in the family

"The club is about making long-term lifestyle changes so that children are fitter, healthier and happier," says exercise leader Greg McGrath, pictured left

Children and parents are being helped to manage their weight whilst becoming fitter, healthier and happier, thanks to a new after-school club called Mind, Exercise, Nutrition...Do it!

Children who are above their ideal weight and want to make changes to their lifestyle need the support of their parents to help them succeed.
That's the thinking behind a club, known as MEND, which is now up and running in Hull.
MEND helps children and their parents focus on nutrition and healthy eating as well as finding ways to become more active as part of their everyday routines.
"The club runs twice a week for 10 weeks, so commitment is important," says Greg McGrath, exercise leader for one of the MEND clubs.
"Making changes to eating habits and increasing activity levels doesn't happen overnight and can take time to become a way of life.
"The main thing, however, is that young people taking part have fun and enjoy themselves – that's the best way to get the most from the club."

Gradual changes

At the beginning and end of the course, each young person is measured and asked some questions about their lifestyle.
The differences in their measurements and answers highlight the changes that have occurred as a result of the clubs.
"We do not focus on weight loss as an indicator of success, as children are obviously growing all the time," adds Greg.
"The club is really about making long-term lifestyle changes so that children are fitter, healthier and happier.
"The difference can be amazing: after one of our clubs, a young person who was previously shy and hardly said a word to anyone went on to join a drama group, because of the confidence gained as a result of MEND." As part of the sessions, children discover simple ways to become more active.
On completion of the course, families receive a certificate and celebrate together with an activity-based reward such as a ten pin bowling trip or ice skating.

Achieving goals

MEND encourages children and parents to:

• set goals to reach and maintain a healthy weight
• develop positive attitudes to healthy eating and physical activity.
• understand the difference between hunger and cravings.
• learn how to curb comfort eating
• choose nutritious foods rather than those which are high in sugar, salt or saturated fats.
• eat five portions of fruit and vegetables a day
• learn how to make healthy food choices at a glance, including reading and interpreting food labels
• understand the benefits of eating together around a table as a family.
• make healthy school dinner and healthy lunch choices

Ticking time bomb

Overweight and obese childen – identified as having excessive body fat – run the risk of health problems in later life, including heart disease, stroke, breathlessness, sleep problems, joint pains and diabetes.
"I'm sure all parents want to provide a healthy diet for their children, but there can be barriers that stop this from happening," says Dr Verghese Mathews, a consultant paediatrician at Hull Royal Infirmary.
"For example, some children are more receptive than others to new foods, and parents can often become frustrated at the difficulty they have in getting children to eat healthy meals rather than takeaways or sugary snacks.
"This is why the MEND course is useful.
Children and parents go along together and support each other to make healthy lifestyle changes, so I recommend the course to parents who want to find a way for their children to lose weight.
"If you have concerns about your own weight or the weight of your child, you can also seek advice from your GP."

info

MEND is run in partnership with NHS Hull, East Riding and Hull Therapy Services, Hull City Council and Services2Sport. Further programmes will start in January at venues across Hull. For more information about the course and to join the programme contact the Eat Well Do Well team on 336886.

Working in partnership
Hull Teaching Primary Care Trust tel. (01482) 344700