Sirona is offering help to young people looking to change their lifestyle, after it was revealed that fewer year six pupils in Bath are either overweight or obese compared to the national average.
Although the statistics for 2013-2014 show an increase from 26.4 per cent of the 10 and 11-year-olds in 2012-2013 to 29.2 per cent, B&NES is still below the national average of 33.5 per cent.
To link in with National Obesity Forum Awareness week which started yesterday, 12th January, Sirona is offering to help young people looking to change their lifestyle.
The not-for-profit social enterprise runs SHINE – Self-Help Independence, Nutrition and Exercise – courses for 10-17-year-olds.
The courses don’t just tackle nutrition and physical activities but also helps young people to increase their confidence and self-esteem as these thoughts and feelings affect what and when food is eaten.
Clare, whose son has used the course, said: “My son has just completed the SHINE programme in Bath with other young people his age.
“He really enjoyed the support SHINE provided, especially two hours of physical activity each week.
“It has not only increased his physical fitness but his confidence has grown encouraging him to take more exercise and enabling him to make changes to his diet at home.
“He loved trying different different types of activities in a relaxed, friendly environment especially Tae Kwon Do.”
Claire Riggs, Health Improvement Specialist with Sirona, said: “The programme is based on a model which supports young people to make changes to their lifestyle as well as increasing levels of self-esteem and confidence.
“We have a great range of activities including urban polo, trampolining, street surfing and cooking.
“Young People who are overweight are more likely to be overweight as an adult and have health problems at a young age, such as high blood pressure, early signs of type 2 diabetes, low confidence and low self-esteem.
“During adulthood, they are also more likely to develop heart disease and certain types of cancer.To help reduce risk of these health issues young people should be encouraged to make small lifestyle changes and be more active.
“SHINE has been running in B&NES for two years and has worked with many young people to help them make improve their health and wellbeing.”
Health professionals are able to refer young people to the SHINE programme, as well as families and young people being able to self-refer (eligibility criteria does apply).
Anybody wanting more information about SHINE, or any of the other lifestyle programmes that we run can contact the Health Lifestyle Service on 01225 831852.