Children in Calderdale invited to join healthy lifestyle programme
Children that go to school in Calderdale and their families are being invited to take part in the next MEND programme to improve their fitness levels in time for the summer.
The MEND (Mind, Exercise, Nutrition…Do It!) programme is run by the health improvement team, which is part of the South West Yorkshire Partnership NHS Foundation Trust, and has been supporting families across the region to make healthy lifestyle changes.
Through the programme families can find out about cooking healthy meals on a budget through cooking demonstrations, how to read food labels and take part in a pedometer challenge. At the same time children have the opportunity to build up their fitness levels through streetdance, fun team games and a boxercise taster session.
Seven families started on the free programme in January, with the goal of improving their lifestyles and getting active. After completing the 10 week programme the children have all noticed a positive change in their health, and fitness levels have increased as indicated by a decrease in their heart rate after completing set step exercises.
Mother and son, Jeanette Smith and James, 7, attended the sessions twice a week at Todmorden High School. During the MEND programme James not only increased his fitness levels but also lost 3.6 kg in body weight.
Speaking about the programme Jeanette Smith said, "Although my son was apprehensive at the start, being on MEND has brought about a change for life for the whole family. James needed the support of the family to go forward and together with MEND, it has really helped James. The focus hasn’t been about losing weight it’s been about getting fitter and the weight loss has been a bonus. James’s self esteem has gone through the roof!"
If you are interested in you and your child taking part in the next MEND programme then get in touch. The final MEND programme is free to attend and will begin in May at Todmorden High School and will run on Tuesday and Thursday evenings. Places are limited and are available for children aged 7 – 13, who are above a healthy weight, and their parents and carers.
To find out more about MEND contact Rachel Morton on 01422 281522 rachel.morton@swyt.nhs.uk
You can find out more about services provided by the Trust on its website www.southwestyorkshire.nhs.uk