Kids – ‘Go for your life’ Primary school award program

Kids – ‘Go for your life’ is leading the way to a healthier Victoria in which children enjoy healthy eating and physical activity everyday Kids – ‘Go for your life’

Key health messages Increase water consumption Increase fruit and vegetable consumption Reduce consumption of energy dense food and drinks

Key health messages Increase time spent in physical activity Reduce time spent in sedentary activity Increase the number of children walking and riding to school

Reasons for action

On average, children are spending 2.5 hours watching TV per day Twice the amount of time is spent in ‘screen time’ than physical activity There is a high rate of drop-out from physical activity in late primary school Fewer children are walking and riding to school ’s (80%), 1990s (10%) Children’s Health Report

Almost 60% of boys and 40% of girls have more than one high sugar drink per day Less than a quarter of children eat enough vegetables 30-40% don’t eat enough fruit More than half of children have twice the recommended daily intake of high fat, high sugar foods and drinks in their lunchbox

Children’s Health Report One in four year olds have dieted to lose weight Fifty percent of 11 year olds want to weigh less Between % of year olds reported varying levels of body image dissatisfaction over a nine month period

Consequences of unhealthy lifestyles

Overweight in childhood Obese in childhood Weight in the classroom – 60’s & 70’s

Overweight in childhood Obese in childhood Weight in the classroom – today

In our school? Do we think these overweight and obesity rates apply to our school or classrooms? Do we see unhealthy habits in our students? Do we see dieting practices?

A generation’s future… Childhood Problem free? Adulthood Obese & Overweight as adults

Why prevent childhood obesity? Childhood obesity is associated with: Bullying and social isolation Poor academic outcomes Low self esteem & poor body image Depression, suicide and risk taking behaviour in adolescence & adulthood Physical discomfort & medical problems such as high cholesterol, glucose intolerance, insulin resistance, high blood pressure

Why prevent adult overweight? Overweight is now the leading cause of premature death and disease burden in Australia, ahead of tobacco smoking

Is dieting the answer? 1.Obesity 2.Asthma Top 3 chronic illnesses for adolescent girls 3. Eating disorders

Make it: Positive Normal Easy Promoting healthy habits

Promoting the Benefits Brain Power –Improved concentration –Improved academic outcomes Feeling good –Improved mood and behaviour –Better self esteem –Making friends Growing strong Healthy teeth and bones Growth and development Healthy weight Running Smooth Increased fitness Energy to play Reduced constipation Staying Well Long term health

Kids ‘Go - for your life’ Award Program

Health Promoting Schools Model Healthy school policies Physical environment Community & Health Service links Partnerships with families Social environment Knowledge skills and behaviours

Kids – ‘Go for your life Award Program

Benefits of the program Recognises school’s achievements Motivates school community Whole of school approach Simple framework for planning and action Coordinates school health initiatives and requirements (VELS, PE mandate, canteen requirements)

How to earn icons Examples of meeting Award Criteria include: –Health and physical education programs –Water bottles –Fresh fruit and veg breaks in class –Healthier canteen and lunch orders choices –Play equipment available at playtimes –Ways to make it easier for children to walk and ride to school

Program Support Starter Pack and CD Rom, posters, handouts Parents, teacher and student –Facts sheets, tip sheets and newsletter inserts –Presentations –Fun n Healthy ideas Curriculum resources and professional development Sample policies and action plans Links to local support health professional support (where available)

Discussion Points Does our school have a commitment to healthy eating and physical activity? What are key healthy eating or physical activity concerns for the school? Which of the icon stickers should the school try to achieve first? Is everyone on board to make sustainable changes? How can school community members support healthy eating and physical activity habits? What’s next?

Thank you to The Seesaw Project for contribution of resources for this presentation

Kids – ‘Go for your life’