17/08/2004
Government launches 'get fit' initiative for young people
The government has launched a new initiative aimed at getting young people fit and active.
The 'Fit Futures: Focus on Food, Activity and Young People’ strategy aims to help develop ideas for improving the health and wellbeing of children and young people in Northern Ireland.
New research has revealed worrying levels of obesity in primary one school children, with one-in-five boys and one-in-four girls being classified as overweight or obese.
Health Minister Angela Smith said: “Fit Futures is an attempt to involve and engage with those that know best about what can be done to encourage and support children and young people to be more active and to eat a healthy, balanced diet.
“Obesity is one of the most serious challenges to the long-term health of our population. Being overweight or obese increases the risk of Northern Ireland’s biggest killer diseases - coronary heart disease and cancer - as well as diabetes, high blood pressure and osteoarthritis. It can also have very direct impacts on the self-esteem and emotional wellbeing of children and young people."
The Minister said the new initiative would concentrate on tackling the underlying causes of obesity, namely inappropriate eating patterns and food intake and insufficient physical activity.
It will also involve speaking directly to over 300 children and young people and a similar number of parents about what can be done to improve activity levels and eating habits in children and young people.
In addition, the Minister will be writing to policy makers and practitioners throughout government and its agencies and to community, voluntary and business interests seeking their views and encouraging involvement in the Fit Futures taskforce.
(MB)
The 'Fit Futures: Focus on Food, Activity and Young People’ strategy aims to help develop ideas for improving the health and wellbeing of children and young people in Northern Ireland.
New research has revealed worrying levels of obesity in primary one school children, with one-in-five boys and one-in-four girls being classified as overweight or obese.
Health Minister Angela Smith said: “Fit Futures is an attempt to involve and engage with those that know best about what can be done to encourage and support children and young people to be more active and to eat a healthy, balanced diet.
“Obesity is one of the most serious challenges to the long-term health of our population. Being overweight or obese increases the risk of Northern Ireland’s biggest killer diseases - coronary heart disease and cancer - as well as diabetes, high blood pressure and osteoarthritis. It can also have very direct impacts on the self-esteem and emotional wellbeing of children and young people."
The Minister said the new initiative would concentrate on tackling the underlying causes of obesity, namely inappropriate eating patterns and food intake and insufficient physical activity.
It will also involve speaking directly to over 300 children and young people and a similar number of parents about what can be done to improve activity levels and eating habits in children and young people.
In addition, the Minister will be writing to policy makers and practitioners throughout government and its agencies and to community, voluntary and business interests seeking their views and encouraging involvement in the Fit Futures taskforce.
(MB)
Related Northern Ireland News Stories
Click here for the latest headlines.
28 March 2024
River Lagan Flood Protection Works Underway
Infrastructure Minister John O’Dowd has announced that flood protection refurbishment work on the River Lagan has got underway. The work costing £900k is being carried out by local building contractor Maurice Flynn and Sons who are replacing the gates at the Hilden and Lambeg river control structures on the River Lagan.
River Lagan Flood Protection Works Underway
Infrastructure Minister John O’Dowd has announced that flood protection refurbishment work on the River Lagan has got underway. The work costing £900k is being carried out by local building contractor Maurice Flynn and Sons who are replacing the gates at the Hilden and Lambeg river control structures on the River Lagan.
27 March 2024
Health Minister To Seek Deferral Of All Hospital Parking Charges
Health Minister, Robin Swann, has announced that he will seek a deferral to legislation to remove all hospital parking charges from 12 May, 2024. Minister Swann said that he will ask the Assembly to defer the measure for a two year period.
Health Minister To Seek Deferral Of All Hospital Parking Charges
Health Minister, Robin Swann, has announced that he will seek a deferral to legislation to remove all hospital parking charges from 12 May, 2024. Minister Swann said that he will ask the Assembly to defer the measure for a two year period.
22 March 2024
Health Minister Praises Work Of Mater Hospital's EOSC Staff
Health Minister, Robin Swann, has highlighted the innovative work of staff at the Elective Overnight Stay Centre (EOSC) in Belfast's Mater Hospital.
Health Minister Praises Work Of Mater Hospital's EOSC Staff
Health Minister, Robin Swann, has highlighted the innovative work of staff at the Elective Overnight Stay Centre (EOSC) in Belfast's Mater Hospital.
26 January 2024
DUP Calls For Action On Car Insurance Price Increases
The DUP has called on the UK government to investigate car insurance price increases, especially for young drivers, in Northern Ireland.
DUP Calls For Action On Car Insurance Price Increases
The DUP has called on the UK government to investigate car insurance price increases, especially for young drivers, in Northern Ireland.
14 June 2023
PSNI Launches New Strategy On Young People's Policing Priorities
The PSNI has announced the launch of a new Children and Young People Strategy, which sets out a number of key priorities for the police service. Over 400,000 young people (under 18s) live locally and so they make up a huge percentage of the community that the PSNI serve and protect.
PSNI Launches New Strategy On Young People's Policing Priorities
The PSNI has announced the launch of a new Children and Young People Strategy, which sets out a number of key priorities for the police service. Over 400,000 young people (under 18s) live locally and so they make up a huge percentage of the community that the PSNI serve and protect.
-
Northern Ireland WeatherToday:Mainly dry this morning with sunny spells then scattered showers breaking out this afternoon. A chilly start then feeling warmer in afternoon sunshine. Light southerly winds. Maximum temperature 11 °C.Tonight:Any showers at first soon dying out. Then dry overnight with clear periods and turning chilly with a touch of frost later tonight. Minimum temperature 1 °C.