Healthy Communities launch‘We’re a healthy community’, a new programme to encourage families to have fun together was launched in Dumfries on Saturday 28 August 2010. The programme is encouraging families to eat more fruit and vegetables, eat less cakes, biscuits and fizzy drinks and to be more physically active together.

The event was launched at the Muckle Doo at the North West Resource Centre where families could try out tasty, healthy and easy tomato spaghetti cooked by Chef Douglas Lisi and eat fresh fruit prepared by Building Healthy Communities a local community project. Recipe cards and spaghetti measures were given out along with information on hints and tips to make small changes.

Councillor Ronnie Nicholson, Healthy Weight Champion has welcomed the launch of the new initiative in Dumfries, commenting,’ It is really exciting to have a programme like this in the area to provide new ideas for recipes for families, give tips to families to help improve diet and provide advice on how to increase their level of fitness”

NHS health workers are concerned about childhood weight statistics for Dumfries and Galloway. In a recent survey1 by the Scottish Government it was reported that 32% of children are now overweight or obese. There is evidence to show that as they grow up it will affect their health and wellbeing and is one of the causes of sickness at work.

Health Board Public Health Consultant, Liz Smart said, ‘A quick way of looking after your child’s weight is to keep an eye on his or her waist measurement. If the child’s waist measures more than half his or her height then this may mean your child has a weight problem. There are special family programmes organised throughout the region and if you have a concern or worry ask your GP or Health Visitor for more details’.

If you would like to sign up to receive regular recipes and tips to change visit our website www.dumgal.gov.uk/healthy for more information.

For more information please contact Linda Owen on 01387 243568 or by email on linda.owen@dumgal.gov.uk

Filed under: Community Submitted News

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