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The best things we can do for our childrens health
Making sure they're a healthy weight is one of the best things we can do for our children’s health. But around one in four primary school children are now overweight or obese.
START is a public health campaign from safefood, the Departments of Health in Northern Ireland and the Republic of Ireland, Healthy Ireland, the Health Service Executive and the Public Health Agency.
Children are becoming overweight earlier and earlier, now about 6% of three year olds are clinically obese. As a child being overweight can cause joint and breathing problems, and psychological problems such low self-esteem and lack of confidence. Most worryingly, if you are obese as a child you are more likely to be obese as an adult which leads to serious health problems such as type 2 diabetes, cardiovascular disease and certain types of cancer.
The START campaign aims to support families to take small steps to eating healthier food and becoming more active.
In developing the campaign, we have talked to parents, health professionals, parenting experts and policy makers to develop tools and support for parents. The campaign comes from an understanding that life is busy and families have a lot going on. It aims to provide practical support and information to help parents.
It is not about perfect parenting but about achieving one daily win and being proud of our efforts as parents to help our children on the way to a healthier life. To find out more click here
