Health and medical information - General Advice obesity, health, healthy, eating, cooking

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Health and medical information - General Advice

TOGETHER FOR HEALTH (T4H)

Child obesity is a major public health concern with the rise in obesity predicted to continue unless major changes in lifestyle and the environment are made. Body Mass Index (BMI) statistics for 2008/09 published recently show that 19.8% of Primary 1 children in Scotland were classified as overweight including 8.0% obese and 3.9% severely obese. (source: ISD Scotland, December 2009). Overweight children are more at risk of becoming overweight adults.

Obesity is a major risk factor for other health complications such as Type 2 diabetes, cancers, cardiovascular risk as well as the psychosocial impact resulting in low self-esteem and depression.

Together For Health (T4H) aims to reduce the rate of increase of overweight children by working with the community and partners to promote the benefits of regular physical activity and less sedentary behaviours, the importance of eating a healthy, balanced diet and maintaining a healthy lifestyle.

Involvement from local partners with a strong commitment to positive action for the community is crucial to promote the prevention of childhood obesity.

Recent Events: T4H held a Fun With Food Festival from Monday, 1st October to Sunday, 7th October 2012. The programme of events on offer for the community over the week included the launch of new recipe cards developed with Scotmid, an early start to the day with a Big Breakfast held in Mayfield Community House and weaning and child resuscitation session for parents delivered by a local mum, health sessions for local primary schools and school Eco Groups were invited along for some activities at Armadale's Community Growing Garden. The market event on Sunday offered the community the opportunity to learn more about healthy lifestyles and eating with food tastings, cookery demonstrations and lots of healthy recipe ideas.

For further information on Together for Health, please contact Rili Craig, Project Officer on 01506 281105 or email rili.craig@westlothian.gov.uk

updated: 09/10/12