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Sign up for new MEND programme
Introduction
A community, family-based programme designed to help children who are above their ideal weight is now inviting new families for its sessions in Chichester.
MEND (Mind, Exercise, Nutrition, Do It!) is run by Chichester District Council in partnership with NHS West Sussex. The 10-week programme will take place on Tuesdays and Thursdays from 5.30pm to 7.30pm at Westgate Leisure, Chichester. It starts on 23 February 2010.
MEND is not a diet but is designed to help overweight children aged 7-13, and their families, build a foundation for healthy living. Accompanied by a parent or carer, the children learn how to be fitter and healthier. Each of the free sessions features a discussion on topics involving behaviour change and nutrition, and an hour of land or water-based, fun exercise.
The programmes completed to date have been praised by participating children and their parents. They have seen a decrease in body fat, measured through the Body Mass Index, and reductions in waist size.
One family whose lives have been changed dramatically by the MEND programme are the Holden's from Petworth. Nine year old Nikki Holden has enjoyed significant weight loss, while her parents Sam and Neil have given up smoking as a result of joining the programme.
Sam says: "Not only is the information given during the programme invaluable, but the way the leaders present the course makes it enjoyable and fun too. We now actively check items in the supermarket for fat and sugar content when we're out shopping.
"The MEND programme helps psychologically by improving a child's confidence. It also directly led to Neil and I quitting our 30 a day cigarette habit. We felt that if Nikki was doing something for herself by trying to get fit, then we should too. We have now been a smoke free family for five months. I would encourage anyone wishing to improve their family's general health to attend the MEND programme."
Councillor Heather Caird, Portfolio Holder for Health at Chichester District Council, says: "This has proved to be a very successful programme in Chichester, Selsey and Petworth, helping to change the way that many people view a healthy lifestyle. This is particularly positive when there is so much concern about the increasing numbers of children and young people being above their ideal weight."
Limited places on the programme are available. To find out more, or to register, call the Health Team at Chichester District Council.
Date: 19 January 2010
Reference: 2573