Monday, 14th January 2019
Whether you make changes to your diet or add exercise to your weekly routine, these small changes can make all the difference to your health and well-being.
This year, the NHS Change 4 Life campaign is focussing on cutting down sugar intakes, especially in children. According to the Change 4 Life website, one or two everyday swaps can really make a difference to how much sugar your child is having.
It’s said that children in England are eating an extra 2,800 sugar cubes per year, which is more than double the recommended guidelines and eight cubes too many per day!
Sugary drinks, snacks and puddings are the usual culprit for over-indulging in sugar, but you’ll be pleased to know it’s easy to swap from high-sugar products to lower-sugar alternatives.
Exercise is also a great way for you and your children to adopt a healthier lifestyle. Last summer, the Sport and Recreation Alliance (SRA) launched a campaign to make physical activity a ‘fundamental right’ for all children.
The #RightToBeActive campaign encouraged parents to join the call for the Government to make exercise/being active a right for every child; and their survey showed 86% percent of people believed parents should take more responsibility when it comes to getting their child active.
We believe that if children enjoy being active, they’re more likely to make exercise a habit as they grow older… but we know it can be a challenge getting them to take part!
Some of the ways you can help your children get more active include finding fun, age-appropriate activities that motivate them. Plus, being a role model and leading by example - if your child sees you enjoying exercise, they’re more likely to join in.
Pendle Leisure Trust offers a range of sports and leisure activities across its centres that will challenge your child, help them play within a team, develop communication skills and have fun!