Ten minute shake-ups to keep youngsters healthy

TEN minute “shake ups” inspired by Disney characters will help children in Warrington stay healthy, according to the borough council.
Youngsters are being encourage to do 10-minute bursts of physical activity  throughout each and every day in order to do the 60 minutes
a day they need to stay healthy.
The “Change4Life 10 Minute Shake Up” national campaign takes place over the summer in partnership with Disney to promote the direct benefits of activity for children’s physical, social and emotional development.
New for this year’s campaign is a game that allows children in Warrington to join one of four Disney teams – Frozen, Toy Story, Monsters and Big Hero 6 and help their team win by doing as many “shake ups” as they
can every day.
Research shows strong evidence that physical activity and sport have a positive impact on children’s social skills and self-esteem. It also found further social benefits for children as a result of physical activity, including increased confidence and peer acceptance, alongside a link to friendship.
Just 19 per cent of children in the North West undertake the required amount of exercise. More than a third of children in the UK are overweight, yet 79 per cent of parents with an overweight child
do not recognise that they are, and of those that do, 41 per cent do not realise it is a health risk.
Cllr Maureen McLaughlin (pictured), the council’s lead member for public health and well-being, said: “Exercise is really important for children, and it’s vital that we encourage them to form healthy habits to last throughout their life.
“The 10 Minute Shake Up programme is great for introducing children to manageable, bite-size chunks of activity – and, best of all, it’s fun. With the summer holidays coming up, it’s ideal for parents and children to get active together.”
Marianthi O’Dwyer, vice president and head of Disney Healthy Living UK said: “Following on from the success of last year’s campaign, we’re excited to be partnering with Change4Life for a brand new 10 Minute Shake Up. This year children will have the chance to join one of four Disney-themed teams, which we hope will inspire them to get even more active this summer.
To help children get involved in the campaign visit www.nhs.uk/10-minute-
shake-up where more information and fun resources are available. The 10 Minute Shake Up campaign will be visiting community events across Warrington throughout the summer.