Change4Life survey says: Too many children not getting enough exercise
New Change4Life advert to get the nation moving
Results from a massive survey of Change4Life families show that almost three
quarters (72 per cent) of their children are not getting
60 minutes of daily activity outside of school. The campaign’s new TV ad,
which launches today, urges families get up and about more in an effort to
cut levels of obesity.
The ’How Are The Kids Survey’, launched in January, is the biggest national
survey of children’s diet and activity levels, and received more than 260,000
responses from families across England.
The survey of change4life families also found that 45 per cent of their
kids watched TV or played non-active video games before school, and only
22 per cent did something active after their evening meal.
Since the survey began, families have been sent tailor made support packs
to help them make small but important changes to their daily routines. A
new Change4Life advert focusing on getting families more active, hits screens
today and will add encouragement to that support.
The new advert responds to the need for families to get more physical activity
into their daily routines - to make sure that the energy in, is matched by
the energy out.
The ad features the Change4Life family as they realise that ’sitting around
doing nothing’ can lead to a build up of fat in their bodies that can cause
diseases such as type two diabetes, cancer and heart disease.
The family find lots of fun ways to get their kids 60 active minutes -
playing in the park, walking to school and playing with active computer games
where kids need to jump and dance around.
Dawn Primarolo, Minister for Public Health said:
"Our survey shows that kids just aren’t getting up and about as much
as they should. If we’re going to cut obesity levels our children need to
be active for at least 60 minutes a day.
"Families up and down the country are getting tailor made action plans
from Change4Life, and our new ads will give additional encouragement to help
families feel the difference.
"By eating better and moving more, we can all live longer and healthier
lives. With continued support from Change4Life this can be a reality for
every family in England."
Notes to Editors
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For media enquiries only please contact the Department of Health newsdesk
on 0207 210 5221.
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Change4Life launched on 2nd January. It is a cross-government campaign
to help families eat well, move more and live longer. For more information
log on to http://www.nhs.uk/Change4Life
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The How Are The Kids survey launched on 31st January 2009. 11 million
copies of the survey have been distributed to over 7.5 million households
and via other routes. Those who respond are sent a tailored action plan
of advice and information to help them and their families live healthier
lives.
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Children and young people should achieve a total of at least 60 minutes
of at least moderate intensity physical activity each day. At least twice
a week this should include activities to improve bone health, muscle strength
and flexibility.
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The recommended levels of activity can be achieved either by doing all
the daily activity in one session, or through several shorter bouts of activity
of 10 minutes or more. This can be physical activity or structured exercise
or sport, or a combination of these.
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The new Change4Life advert focussing on getting families up and about
will screen from 24th April 2009. Stills are available from the Department
of Health newsdesk.