Health Matters: Sports stars back campaign

Communities in Bradford are being encouraged to support the Change4Life movement, which has just launched its drive to help families from Black and Minority Ethnic (BME) groups eat well, move more and live longer.
By The Newsroom
Published 24th Mar 2010, 13:09 BST
Updated 24th Mar 2010, 13:10 BST

Change4Life is a movement headed by the Department of Health to encourage at-risk communities to change their attitudes to food and exercise, in an attempt to halt the rising tide of childhood obesity.

Bradford City footballer Zesh Rehman and Bradford City Council's community sports coach, Halima Khan, are among the celebrity ambassadors and supporters.

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Zesh Rehman said: "I'll encourage the children in my family to walk at least part of the way to and from school as this is a really easy way to fit some physical activity into their day."

Halima adds: "Change4Life aims to get the whole family involved in making those small, subtle changes, which can make a big difference."

Families can call 0300 123 1099 for a free Change4Life information pack, which provides more ideas.

Can you help with research?

The South West Yorkshire Partnership NHS Foundation Trust is calling for people to join Stephen Fry in helping Cardiff University researchers to understand how genetic and environmental factors contribute to bipolar disorder.

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The actor, author and presenter, who features on one of the trust's anti-stigma posters, has taken part in the study, along with TV personality Kerry Katona. But researchers need to double the number of the 3,000 volunteers who have so far donated DNA samples.

Stephen Fry said: "If you took time to participate in this study, you've no idea how much good you will be doing."

Professor Craddock would like to hear from individuals who have experienced one or more episodes of high mood (called mania or hypomania) at any time during their life. Volunteers will be visited at home by a researcher in strict confidence.

Visit the Bipolar Disorder Research Network at www.bdrn.org or contact the team on 02920 744392

Alternative remedies

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The Ilkley Complementary Medicine Festival is being held at Kings Hall, Winter Gardens, Ilkley this weekend.

Established in 1988, the

twice-yearly festival attracts well over 2,000 visitors, with exhibitors and practitioners from all over the country.

The Spring Complementary Medicine Festival is on Saturday and Sunday. Log on to www.ilkleyfestival.co.uk for more details.

Related topics:BradfordDepartment of HealthBradford City