Kids in race against obesity
Poor eating habits and a lack of physical exercise have plunged Ireland’s children into an obesity epidemic that was once classified as an American problem.
Gone are the days when parents can distance themselves from the issue as new statistics show that one in five Irish children are now categorised as overweight or obese.
However, some Irish schools have taken preventative measures to ensure children are educated about the importance of regular exercise.
And as a result more and more schools are implementing a healthy eating policy to help children understand the importance of choosing an apple over crisps.
To assist with the fight against child obesity, the SPAR chain of shops has launched a ‘Kids – fit for life’ campaign which is designed to aid teachers in the schooling of healthy eating habits.
The main aim is to reduce the risk of children becoming overweight or obese and contracting related diseases such as diabetes, asthma and heart disease.
The news of SPAR’s initiative will be welcomed by Green Party health spokesperson, John Gormley, who has expressed his concern at the modest numbers of children walking and cycling to school.
Recently published figures from the Dublin Transportation Office show a sharp decline in children getting to school by their own means.
“It’s time now for real joined-up thinking in Government,” Deputy Gormley said. “The recommendations from the taskforce on obesity – which include building more safe cycle ways to schools – have yet to be implemented.
“We need a concerted effort between the Departments of Health, Education and Transport to deal with this serious problem. Parents are rightly concerned that allowing their children to walk or cycle to school is putting them at added risk. This results in more parents driving their kids to school – making the problem worse.”
As part of their campaign, SPAR sent around a copy of their new initiative to every school in Dublin offering children the opportunity to represent their county at a ‘Fit for Life’ sports day.
Those lucky enough to compete at the event will spend the day being trained by European 100m hurdler Derval O’Rourke and Cork GAA star Sean Og O h’Alp*n.
The day will offer the chance to win e5,000 worth of sports equipment for the winning school, and booklets will be distributed which emphasise the need for young children to enjoy playing games and keep fit.
The booklet is aimed at primary school teachers and offers plenty of information about nutrition and how children can eat a balanced diet – instilling good habits at an early age so that children remain ‘Fit for Life’.
Commenting on the campaign, Derval O’Rourke said she felt children could benefit greatly from the campaign.
“I am very appreciative of the support that SPAR Ireland has shown in my athletics career to date and I’m delighted to be a part of the wonderful initiative,” Ms O’Rourke said.
Likewise, Cork hurler, Seán Óg O hAlp*n, stressed the importance of the campaign and said he was delighted to contribute.
“Sport has always been a very important and enjoyable part of my life,” he said. “The ‘SPAR Kids – Fit for Life’ campaign is an initiative that I’m passionate about. It’s so important that kids get out there, run about and enjoy themselves, no matter how good or bad they are at a sport.”
Suzanne Weldon of SPAR Ireland said that the support of the campaign by sports stars would help to tackle the problem of child obesity.
“The programme which has been run by SPAR for the past three years, has been embraced by communities in Ireland and, this year, enjoys support from two of Ireland’s top sporting heroes,” she said.
The programme was compiled in consultation with leading Irish nutritionist Paula Mee and Aoileann Garavaglia.
It was launched in City Quay National School on South Gloucester Street which is one of the many Irish schools that has already instituted a healthy eating policy.
Kids in race against obesity in Ireland