A new campaign is underway in Kent to encourage families to make a change to their health and lifestyles.
KCC is using a range of communications channels to promote resources that parents can use in everyday life. This is in support of the national Public Health England Change 4 Life initiative
In Kent, 23% of four to five-year-olds are overweight or obese, increasing to 33% in 10 to 11-year-olds. Consequently, they are more likely to become obese adults who are more prone to a range of serious health problems. Examples include heart disease, some cancers and Type 2 diabetes.
Figures show that 6.37 per cent of the Kent population has diabetes compared to the England average of 6.55 per cent.* Nationally, there are now 3 million people suffering from Type 2 diabetes (approximately 78,000 in Kent), 90% of whom are overweight or obese.[i],[ii]
Heart Kent FM have launched a competition which will see one lucky family winning £1,000 of Evans Cycles vouchers towards bikes and safety accessories. The presenters of the station’s flagship breakfast show programme – James Heming and Becky Ives – have got involved by cooking Change 4 Life healthy recipes. These form part of the ‘enter to win’ competition and information can be found at https://promo.heart.co.uk/change4life
KCC have more resources with simple tips and tools found on their new redeveloped website Kent.gov.uk/change4life
In the New Year, further promotion will detail the revamped PHE Food Smart app, along with further information related to the Change 4 Life initiative. PHE data shows that 95% of people who downloaded the Sugar Smart app have subsequently reduced their sugar intake.
KCC Director of Public Health, Andrew Scott-Clark said: “To maintain a healthy weight, we all need to both eat well and move more. Even making small changes can help families to live healthier and longer lives. That’s why Kent County Council is supporting the Change4Life campaign in Kent.”
There is help at hand for those who want to lose weight. In all District and Borough Council areas across Kent, KCC Public Health has commissioned community based weight management programmes for adults and fun activity based programmes for families with children aged seven to 12-years-old. Find out more about what’s happening in Kent at Kent.gov.uk/change4life
ENDS
[i] Diabetes UK. Number diagnosed with diabetes rises. Available at: https://www.diabetes.org.uk/About_us/News_Landing_Page/Number-diagnosed-with-diabetes-rises/
[Accessed December 2015]
[ii] Public Health England. Adult obesity and type 2 diabetes. Available at: https://www.gov.uk/government/uploads/system/uploads/attachment_data/file/338934/Adult_obesity_and_type_2_diabetes_.pdf [Accessed December 2015]
