Free healthy lifestyle course on offer for obese children

The free healthy lifestyle course for Thirsk youngsters will open its doors next month amid concerns that one in three children in the county are above a healthy weight. The new scheme, called the Mend – Mind, Exercise, Nutrition... Do it – aims to help local children become fitter, healthier and happier while having fun.

At the 10-week after-school programme in Thirsk local children aged between seven and 13 and their parents will learn about healthy eating and how to enjoy physical activity.

The free course, devised by child health experts at Great Ormond Street and funded by the Big Lottery, also includes a visit to a supermarket where the children and their parents will learn how to read food labels.

Richard Tremere, Mend's Regional Manager for Yorkshire, said: "The Mend Programme is a fun way for children above a healthy weight to get fit and healthy and improve their self-esteem.

"We offer a safe and non-judgemental environment for families to learn how to make healthy choices and become more active."

The programme consists of two-hourly sessions twice a week over 10 weeks. Each session includes a one-hour workshop for children and parents, and a one-hour fun physical activity session for the children.

Its benefits have already been underlined by an independent study published in Obesity Journal last month, showing participants experienced long-term health benefits improved cardiovascular fitness and higher self-esteem.

For more information or to register for the Mend Programme in Thirsk, call freephone 0800 230 0263, e-mail [email protected], or visit www.mendcentral.org