Sign up for a healthy lifestyle

PARENTS with children aged 5-7 living in Warrington can now sign up for a free healthy lifestyle programme with their child.
The fun-filled MEND programme – Mind, Exercise, Nutrition…Do It! – has started at The Jungle family entertainment centre at Winwick Quay.
Developed by experts in child health and funded by NHS Warrington, MEND 5-7 helps children who are above a healthy weight to become fitter, healthier and happier.
During the course, children try new healthy snacks and take part in fun games and activities, while parents learn fun new ways to play with their child, how to stop temper tantrums and encourage healthy behaviour.
Cllr Colin Froggatt, the borough council’s executive member for children and young people’s services, said: “As well as educating families about healthy eating and exercise in general, this programme promotes the huge health benefits of active play. I would encourage families with children aged five to seven to take advantage of this free course.”
Tom Snape, a programme manager for MEND 5-7 in Warrington, said: “Encouraging your child to eat healthily can be tough for parents. At MEND 5-7 parents learn how to make small changes to the food their family eats and gives them creative and fun ways to get their child more active.
“Children leave MEND with more energy and brimming with self-confidence, while parents have the confidence and enthusiasm to continue with the healthy changes long after the programme has ended. I would recommend MEND to any parent in Warrington who is concerned about their child’s weight.”
Places are limited so parents who think their child is above a healthy weight and would like to register for the MEND programme should call 0800 230 0263 or visit mendcentral.org.