Change4Life programme

SPONSORED EDITORIAL

Three Kent families are enjoying the benefits of a healthier lifestyle after signing up for Change4Life.

The national campaign, which is supported by Kent County Council, gives motivation and support for families to make improvements to their diets and activity levels. Rather than being a weight loss programme, it seeks to change behaviours that can cause weight gain.

The families from Sittingbourne, Maidstone and Dartford took part in a series of easy activities over a four week period, with all seeing improvements and recommending the campaign to others.

'Eating healthier doesn't have to cost a lot'

The McCarthy family of Andrews Walk, Sittingbourne: Mum Kelly, 10-year-old Abbie, six-year-old Amber and two-year-old Jacob

"I took part as my children's health is important and to get new food ideas for them,” explains 36-year-old Kelly.

"I now look at labels of foods before buying them and I have learnt that eating healthier doesn't have to cost a lot plus we get out more often and try new recipes. I would definitely recommend it.”

'Getting your kids involved is definitely the key'

The Wright family from Maidstone: Mum Stacy, seven-year-old twins Harry and Oscar and six year-old twins Eliza and Annie

“They’re generally pretty good eaters but I wanted to get the kids involved more with cooking so they could discover that there’s more than junk food to eat," said Stacy.

"I also wanted to get the whole family out and about and exercising more.”

“It was a little hard in the beginning but once we got into it then the kids really enjoyed making their own dinner. We also made more of a point of going to the park, going out on our bikes and just exploring. They got much more involved with the whole thing than if I’d just done it - getting your kids involved is definitely the key.”

'There is something any family can benefit from'

The Kent family from Phoenix Place, Dartford: Mum Natasha, six-year-old Layla and two-year-old Jack

“We decided to take part in the videos because we saw it as a challenge to change some things in our lifestyle," said Natasha, 27.

"I wanted to try new recipes with the children and become more active. I am looking forward to Layla becoming very involved with the healthy choices of snacks and helping to prepare the family meals.”

“We had pretty healthy food habits before we took part, it was more about getting out and doing more as a family and to be more aware of some food products that say they are healthy that are not.

“I would recommend Change4Life to other families because it can help in so many different ways, whether it's activities to do at home, food recipes, food smart app or things going on in your local area there is something any family can benefit from.”

20% of children enter Kent's primary schools overweight or obese

Figures show that in Kent, one in five children enter primary school overweight or obese but this increases to one in three pupils leaving primary school overweight or obese. Obese children are not only at increased risk of immediate health problems; they are also more likely to become obese adults.

In Kent nearly 65% of people aged over 16 are overweight or obese - that’s over 801,000 people.

KCC Director of Public Health, Andrew Scott-Clark said: "Childhood obesity is one of the most serious health challenges of the 21st century. Obesity is a risk factor in many long-term conditions, including type 2 diabetes, heart disease, stroke and some cancers.

"This is why we’re focusing on families and encouraging them to adopt healthier behaviours that will serve their children well as they grow up."

Four top tips for families

1. Food labels can seem a bit boring, but they are the best way of checking what you’re eating as they can tell you what’s hidden inside the food

2. Many foods and drinks are packaged for two adults sharing, so if you’re eating by yourself avoid temptation and save some for later

3. If you plan your meals in advance, you’re less likely to eat snacks and convenience food – and more likely to save money and eat healthily

4. Building activity into your day keeps your heart healthy, reduces your risk of serious illness and strengthens muscles and bones. It can also be a great way to reduce your stress levels.

The 10 minute shake up

The programme offers fun, 10-minute activities for kids, featuring their favourite Disney characters.

The activities, designed for children to do anywhere in small or large groups with their friends, help children them get more of the 60 minutes of moderate to vigorous physical activity they need each day to stay healthy.

Currently, just 23% of boys and 20% of girls meet the national recommended level of activity of 60 minutes each day.

How to find out more

More information on the Change4Life Kent campaign, plus activities and advice to support families can be found at www.kent.gov.uk/change4life