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PRESS RELEASE Issued on behalf of the Southern Investing for Health Partnership 30 November 2009 Healthy Steps for Grandparents Grandparents from the Portadown area have taken part in a workshop that highlighted the importance of promoting health in the early years of life. Orlaith Moley, Project Manager with the Public Health Agency explains: “The foundations for a healthy life are heavily influenced by what happens in the first few years. To encourage healthy habits at a young age, the Southern Investing for Health Partnership (SHIP) developed the ‘Healthy Steps for Life’ programme. “In Northern Ireland at Primary 1 age, 1 in 4 girls and 1 in 6 boys are overweight or obese. This programme aims to reduce those numbers.” Held in Ashgrove Community Centre, the workshop was specifically targeted at grandparents. It gave practical tips on how to promote healthy eating and active lifestyles and included talks on healthy snacks and treats, looking after your grandchildren’s teeth, having fun and playing games. Portadown grandparent, Marie McCann, said: “I really enjoyed the workshop and found it very informative. It was alarming to find out the amount of sugar and salt that is in the food we give our children. It was good to learn the importance of healthy eating and physical activity for our grandchildren as well as for ourselves. I got as much out of the workshop for myself as I did for my grandchildren.” Frances Hayes, Chairperson of Ballyoran Over 50’s also attended the workshop and commented: “It was a great workshop that highlighted the importance of ensuring our grandchildren eat healthily and enjoy regular physical activity. Frances continued: “With the amount of sugar and salt that is in the food we eat, it is important that we teach our grandchildren the importance of healthy teeth through good dental care and encourage them to brush their teeth daily, especially after they’ve eaten sugary foods.” Orlaith Moley continued: “Healthy Steps for Life is aimed at people who support pre-school children, including parents and carers, grandparents, parent and toddler groups, childminders, childcare providers, pre-school play groups and community groups.” For further information on ‘Healthy Steps for Life’ contact Orlaith Moley, Project Manager, Southern Investing for Health Partnership on Tel: 028 3741 4590. - Ends - For press enquiries contact: Elaine Hyde, PR Assistant on Tel: 028 3741 4597 Caption: J.peg 2 Grandparents from Ballyoran Over 50’s Club who attended the recent Healthy Steps for Life workshop held in Ashgrove Community Centre, with Orlaith Moley, Project Manager, SIHP (back row 2nd left). |