Awareness and Prevention Information
Five Day Fun, Food & Fitness Challenge activity booklet
Obesity in children has been linked not only to health problems in childhood, but also to obesity and related health issues in adulthood. Specifically of concern to Kids Cancer Research Trust is the link to the development of cancer in adults. The burden facing the Australian health system due to obesity and related problems will be massive in terms of cost and pressure on the health care industry.
As a result, Kids Cancer Research Trust is focusing on children's health now to allow children to develop to their full potential by creating a nutrition and exercise booklet for kids at primary school level. With the assistance of Merryn Netting APD of Appletree Children's Health, the booklet was launched and distributed in August 2009 to around 30,000 seven and eight year old students at selected schools in South Australia.
Opportunity has been given for children using this booklet to record their progress. These records may be used by teachers to assess their students use of the booklet. A summary sheet has been included at the end of the booklet.
This activity booklet focuses on the public health messages of encouraging healthy eating and regular activity. Messages encouraging families to do things together and looking after your mental health have also been included. Activities have been designed that use a minimum of equipment. Direct focus has been placed on the following health promotion messages:
- Eating More Fruit and Vegetables
- Eat More Breads and Cereals
- Drink More Water
- Learn How to Prepare Basic Foods
- Learn How to Care For Your Food Safely
- Get Enough Sleep
- Aim for 30 Minutes Active Play Each Day
- Limit 'Screen Time'
The activity booklet is being distributed to schools across Queensland and New South Wales for the first time in 2011. We encourage all principals to inspect the attached electronic booklet and submit orders for their school using the order form. Please note that requests must be received no later than February 25th 2011, as distribution will be organised for the first week in term 2.
Kids Cancer Research Trust actively promotes awareness and prevention through our programs that run throughout the year. It is critical that adults are made aware that their children may be at risk of cancer throughout their lifetime. In order for children to have a better chance of leading a healthy life, we give out brochures providing statistics, the risk factors associated with cancer, and the importance of a healthy lifestyle. We speak to people on the phone, knock on their doors, meet them in retail shopping centres/supermarkets and distribute booklets at schools through our five day fun, food & fitness program.