Exercise and healthy eating message taken to schools to tackle childhood obesity
School kids across the Selby area have been learning about the benefits of exercise and healthy eating.
Selby
Local leisure provider WLCT have been visiting schools as part of its Active Schools programme, funded by Selby District Council.
The sessions include vegetable tasting, smoothie making and games focusing on exercise and oral health.
WLCT's Sport Development Officer, James Massam, said, "We've had a great response from schools and are really pleased to have helped spread important messages about staying healthy to more than 600 children."
Carla White, Deputy Headteacher at Barlby Community Primary School, said: "Our Year 1 children loved the sessions run in school by James, which were fun and taught a key message about the importance of looking after their bodies on the inside and out.
"Our school is very active and this scheme helped promote keeping healthy in an interactive and exciting way."
One parent whose child took part in the scheme added, "My children were really enthusiastic about the healthy eating part of the Active Schools programme. They came home from school chattering about trying spinach and banana smoothies. They also brought home leeks and together we made potato and leek soup, which they loved.
"Now they will often talk about the food we are having and whether it is healthy or not. I think it's a brilliant programme."
Cllr Gillian Ivey, Deputy Leader of the Council, added, "Taking the healthy eating and being active message out to schoolchildren across our district delivers this important information right where it needs to go.
"The programme ensures that children learn in a fun way that a combination of healthy eating and exercise together ensures a healthy lifestyle.
"This kind of work in the heart of our community is important and demonstrates our long-term commitment to encouraging healthy choices for both children and adults in our community."
The scheme was introduced to tackle childhood obesity levels in Selby District. Recent data published by the Public Health Outcomes Framework and NCMP (National Child Measurement Programme) shows values of excess weight in children is similar to the regional and national average.
Active Schools, which has initially been rolled out to Year 1 children, is funded by Selby District Council.