Children and Young People

Eating habits are established at a young age: a poor diet developed in infancy which continues throughout life can lead to future health problems.
As children become older less of them eat breakfast every school day, less eat fruit daily and more drink soft drinks and eat sweets daily.

Facts

Dental health for 5 year olds in Caerphilly County Borough is poor and has worsened in recent years!

Start4life

We have an opportunity with babies, toddlers and pre school children to establish healthy habits right from the start, meaning they benefit now and we have less work to do in helping then to unlearn bad habits. It is really important that young children get the best start in life. Eating a variety of healthy foods gives then the vital nutrients that need to grow and develop, and keeping active ensures that they use up the energy they’re putting into their bodies.

Click here for more information about Start4life

Helping children to be healthier – 11th July 2011

On Monday 11th July, over 700 residents visited a Change4Life activity event at Llancaiach Fawr, Nelson. Families with children aged 0-4 took part in fun and interactive activities throughout the day including Buggyfit, parachute games, Baby Bushtucker Trials, Come Wean with Me, messy play, arts and crafts, signing, dancing, baby yoga, baby massage and much more.

Adults were advised to make small changes to their family’s lifestyle to help their children lead healthy, happy and longer lives. Moving more, eating well and teaching good habits will prevent young children developing serious illness when they are adults.

Families received a goody bag with lots of information, top tips, recipes, giveaways, and ideas to try at home. Families were also given the opportunity to inform us what activities and support they would welcome in their local communities.

See photo slideshow from the day

Colouring competition winners

 

Change4Life

Change 4 Life

These days modern life can mean we are just not as physically active as our parents and grandparents were. With so many opportunities to watch tv or films, and with so much convenience and fast foods available, we don’t move about as much, or eat as well, as we used to.
This means that 9 out of 10 of our kids risk growing up with dangerous amounts of fat in their bodies, which can cause life-threatening diseases like cancer, type 2 diabetes and heart disease – so it is really important that we do something about it now.

Change4life is here to give you the support and information you need to help your kids lead healthy, happy and longer lives. Change4life is about making small changes to our lifestyles that will make a really big difference.
It is easier to get children into good habits now and Change4Life can help by simply providing 2 or 3 tips to try each week.

We know life is busy so click here for lots of individual ideas and support to give your family a happier, healthier future. Check The Welsh Assembly Government Health Chalenge website

Facts

1 in 3 children (36%) are currently overweight or obese.

Wales has one of the highest rates of childhood obesity in the world.

Two thirds of adults do not eat the recommended 5 a day of fruit and vegetables.

Schools are ideal places to encourage children to eat healthier options so helping to prevent childhood obesity and other health problems. For more information about the food available in Caerphilly borough’s schools click here.

Click here for information on providing a healthy lunchbox for your child
Many schools in the borough run Fruit Tuck Shops and After School Cooking Clubs. Ask at your child’s school.

Would you and your family like to be more active ? Click here

 

Think Water

Children need to drink at least 3 or 4 glasses of water per day whilst at school and even more when exercising or in warm Weather. Research suggests that teenagers aged between 14 – 18 should drink 6 glasses of water during the school day.

Facts

Drinking water throughout the day is an important way of protecting health and contributing to well being!

When we are thirsty our mental performance declines by 10%!

Water is a healthy drink and does not damage teeth, unlike still and fizzy soft drinks high in sugar, additives, artificial sweeteners and caffeine!

Children will achieve more when their health and learning needs are met.

 

F3 - Fun, Food and Fitness

F3 - Fun, Food and Fitness logo

F3 is a FREE fun programme, running in Caerphilly borough, to help children become fitter, healthier and happier!

Do you have an 5 to 11 year old?

Are you worried they might be unhealthy and overweight?

The F3 programme, run by a dietitian, fitness instructor and behavioural specialist, helps get kids healthy and fit in only 10 weeks – and encourages them to stay that way!
The programme will run for 10 weeks at a centre near you and the highlights include:

  • Learning that being active can be a lot of fun!
  • Practical demonstrations, games and advice about healthy foods, label reading, and portion sizes.
  • Fun, interactive sessions that will help improve your child’s self-confidence.

Each family will have a personalised home tutor who will support the family in their home for 10 weeks to put it all into practice! F3 is funded by the National Lottery through BIG Lottery Fund and run by the Caerphilly Teaching Local Health Board in partnership with Caerphilly county borough council, Gwent NHS Trust , Caerphilly Local Public Health Team and GAVO.

Although there is no cost to attend the programmes, we will need to assess whether your child qualifies based on their age, weight and health.

Check the website www.f3club.co.uk for more info

For more details call Sue Norey on 01495 241292.