YOUR WEIGHT

MATTERS

Your Weight Matters

Your Weight MattersWhy is a Healthy Weight important?

As parents we want our children to be happy and healthy. Encouraging our children to be active will:

Improve their healthHelp them feel good about themselves and increase their opportunities to mix with others and make friends and be less likely to be teased and bulliedHelp them develop strong muscles and bones and help prevent diabetes and other diseases in later lifeHelp them sleep betterReduce their body fatGive them happy memories of growing up and enjoying being part of a loving family

Active kids are happy kids! Have fun being active and relive those

childhood memories.

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Your Weight MattersWhat can you and your family do Make small changes everyday to reduce the calories you take in and increase the activity you do.

Develop healthy eating habits:• Sit together as a family to eat your meal. • Eat three meals a day and reduce portion size• Haveatleastfiveportionsoffruitandvegetablesevery

day• Avoid extra snacks and drinks containing fat and sugar• Have plenty to drink, including water• Avoid using food as a reward or for comfort

Be more active:• Find activities your children enjoy• Identify ways of becoming more active as a family and have fun. Try walking (make a treasure hunt), dancing

to music, playing in the park• Aim to be active for at least an hour a day• Praise your children when they take part• Remember that children imitate adults. Start adding

physical activity to your own daily routine and encourage your child to join you

• Limit the amount of time your child watches TV and plays video games to no more than 2 hours a day

• Meet up with a friend for a daily walk• Encourage everyone to think of fun things to do to get

up, get moving

Your Weight Matters

Are you doing enough?

Do you and your family watch less than 3 ½ hours TV each day?

• Does your child walk/cycle to school?• Does your child play outside most days?• As a family, are you active together?• Is your child active for at least I hour a day?

If the answers to some of the above are ‘No’ answers then read on for some ideas and organisations who may help you and your family to have fun and be active, and build those childhood family memories for your children.

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Your Weight Matters

Make physical activity a treat for all the family

Activities/Games to play insideDancing to music-or with a dance matTrampolinesNintendo Wii FitHula hoopTreasure Hunts in the homeHelping with household chores e.g. washing the car, cleaning the bedroomSpend time playing active games e.g. Hide and Seek

Outdoor activities and gamesWalk to school, shops, local parkCycling, Roller bladingKicking a ball aroundSwimming at local leisure centreAfter school activities and sports clubsPractise basic skills-running, jumping, throwing, catchingSet up a circuit with balls, skipping ropes etcMakeakiteandflyittogetherWalk the dogObstacle coursesRoundersPlay frisbee, Tag, hopscotch, hula hoopMeet up with other families to play games

Always take precautions for your childs safety e.g. wearing protective clothing, bike helmet, ensure playing area is safe.

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Your Weight Matters

Where can I get help with my family’s weight?

How can we be more active as a family?Find out what activities are offered at your local leisure and community centres.

If there are not many opportunities for children to be active locally, encourage your local council or parish council to do something about it

Visit the local library for information on local activities and help with accessing useful websites. Most libraries now have public computers and Health Information Points.

There are lots of people who may be able to help and many websites that offer information and support. The following pages provide information on the people and organisations who can help in your local area.

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Your Weight Matters

Worried about your family’s weight?For Children and Young People and their FamiliesTry the MEND or TEAM programme-for families- FREE fun programmesforkidstobecomefitter,healthierandhappier!

Want to be fitter, healthier and more confident? If you are aged between 7-13 years and above your ideal weight youcanjointhisfreehealthandfitnessprogramme.It’sagreatway to make new friends and have fun and help your family learn new ideas about healthy eating.

The MEND (Mind, Exercise, Nutrition… and Do it) programme is a community family based programme for overweight and obese children aged between 7-13 years and their families supported by health and exercise professionals. With weekly games, activities andswimming,thekidsgethealthierandfitterandasafamily,you’ll get helpful advice on healthy foods, label reading and portion sizes and much more.This fun and interactive programme involves the family and includes helpful information and tips on eating for a healthier life, ideas to be more active and to make changes to improve your health.

The programmes are delivered at the three Fenland Leisure Centres, based in March, Wisbech and Whittlesey. For further details contact: Sarah Davies, Sports Development (Fenland District Council). Tel: 01354 654321 or email: sportsdevelopment@fenland.gov.uk or sdavies@fenland.gov.uk

The TEAM Project (To Energise And Motivate) in South Cambridgeshire is a 10 week project offering children a range of fun activities such as basketball, trampolining and street dance.

Your Weight Matters

At the same time, their parents/carers are encouraged to use the excellent gym facilities and equipment. Additional workshops actively involve the children and parents with healthier eating andconfidencebuilding.Forfurtherinformation,contactLynnePotter, Health and Exercise Development Co-ordinator, on 01954 212042 or email: lynnepotter@btconnect.com

A TEAM Project will be available in the East Cambridgeshire District in spring 2009.

Enerjetix - A cool way to get kids active!Are you between 11-13 years old? Try out a range of different and funactivitiesonthisnewgymbasedprogramme,forallfitnessabilities. After ’An intro to the Gym’, try ‘Money, money money’,

Worried about your family’s weight?

Your Weight Matters

‘Rock around the Circuit’ and’Ski the Alps’. The programme is mostly based on CV machines in the gym.Blocks of activity are scheduled in 3 terms and each run over an 8 week period.Cost; £16 per block.

Contact Sarah Davies, Sports Development (Fenland District Council) for more information. Tel: 01354 654321 or E.mail: sportsdevelopment@fenland.gov.uk or sdavies@fenland.gov.uk

Heart Beat Healthy WalksThese schemes are organised by the District Councils in Cambridgeshire and offer a programme of led walks in a variety of different towns and villages. They are led by trained volunteers or staff from your local District Council. To attend you just need to turn up about 10 minutes before it is due to start. Many walks end near to café facilities allowing for socialising after the walk as well as during. Walking usually takes place in open/green spaces and walks are generally between 45-90 minutes long. Suitable clothing for the weather conditions and sturdy footwear are advised. The walks provide the opportunity to participate in physical activity as well as meet people, share experiences, interests and skills. The walks are open to anyone, no matter whatyourleveloffitness.Howeverattendeesshouldbeabletowalk for 30 minutes unaided. The scheme is supported by many GP surgeries in the County.

Worried about your family’s weight?

Your Weight Matters

For more information, dates and times of walks, contact your local District Council Walks Co-ordinator.

For AdultsLearn to ride a bike!Adult cycle training schemeThe scheme provides road safety training for adults who have never cycled before or refresher courses for people who have not cycled for many years. Sessions are offered on a group or one to one basis and can be tailored to individual needs. The schemeaimstoimprovecycleskillsandincreasetheconfidenceof cyclists as road users. Contact: The Road Safety Education Team, ET1006, Stanton House, Stanton Way, Huntingdon, Cambs PE29 6XL. Tel: 01480 375105 E.mail: road.safety@cambridgeshire.gov.uk

Pro-Health Community Health Improvement Programme (CHIP) (Currently in Fenland, Huntingdonshire and parts of Cambridge City)

Ready to lose weight and gain health?Enjoy quizzes and being with other people?This programme is for anyone ready to make small lifestyle changes but will be particularly helpful to overweight people looking to :Lower blood pressure, lose weight, understand healthy eating, increase activity, reduce the risk of developing health problems such as diabetes or heart disease, decrease joint and back pain.

Worried about your family’s weight? Worried about your family’s weight?

Your Weight Matters

Have fun participating in group based activities, gaining team points with friends and family. CHIP is a FREE ten week programme of six fortnightly workshops supported by dietitians and physical activity experts.If you are between 18-65 years with a body mass index of 28 and above, then this programme is for you.

The programme runs in a variety of venues in Cambridgeshire.

Contact details: CHIP Administrator, Cambridgeshire Community Services, Littleport E-space North, 181 Wisbech Road, Littleport, Cambs CB6 1RA Tel:01353 865364

Worried about your family’s weight?

Your Weight Matters

Activity Opportunities for people with a disabilityInvigorateThe Cambridge City Council Sports Development Service has been organising and developing a programme of activities for community mental health service users for the last 5 years. There are many different activities that are available at a subsidized or preferable rate including gym sessions, badminton, tennis, football, boxercise, swimming and yoga.

Some of the sessions are led by an instructor, some are facilitated and some are individual activities. Anyone wanting toattendasessionforthefirsttimecancontacttheSportsDevelopment Service to arrange to ‘meet a buddy’ to show them the ropes.

The programme runs in partnership with the Cambridge and Peterborough Mental Health Trust and NHS Cambridgeshire.The Service also works with other partners to provide physical activity opportunities for people with mental health issues e.g. Fitness4health, Cam-MIND allotment group.

Activities are advertised through the mental health awareness newsletter which is produced twice yearly.

(See section on District Council Sports Development Teams for contact details.)

Community Sports and Recreation programme-Sports for AllHuntingdonshire Sports Development Team at the District Council offer this sports programme. The programme includes:

Worried about your family’s weight?

Your Weight Matters

Active and Able Multi-Sports Clubs for juniors and adultsHoliday activities for disabled people Street football

You can self refer to the programme or can be recommended by health professionals. You simply need to turn up at an activity about 10 minutes before it is due to start to complete the essential paperwork. You need to be suitably clothed for the activity, have appropriate footwear and bring a drink.Contact : David Reeve, Huntingdon District CouncilTel: 01480 388469/387098Email; Leisure.Development@huntsdc.gov.uk

Disability SportThe Sports Development Team at Cambridge City Council offer a number of different and exciting activities for all people with a disability. These take place at various venues across the City. Activities offered include: Trampolining, Multi sports, Horse riding, Tennis, Golf, Rowing, Swimming, Football, Tag Rugby, Fitness classes, Sports Zone, Holiday activities.

A Disability and Social Clubs Directory is available which lists opportunities offered by other organisations.

(See section on District Council Sports Development Teams for contact details.)

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Activity Opportunities for people with a disability

Your Weight Matters

District Council Sports Development TeamsEach District Council in Cambridgeshire has a Sports Development Team who are responsible for various sports and leisure programmes, many of which are delivered at the local leisure centres. These include programmes for people with learning or physical impairment, Exercise Referral, MEND/TEAM, Healthy walks schemes and youth activities. They also provide information on play development, including play areas and local play activities. Activities include a variety of fun sessions for children including for example: Fit ‘n’ Fun Kids, Football camps, Shorts and Shades, family pool disco, Teddy Bears picnic and much more. Contact your District Council or local Leisure Centre for more information.

Cambridge CityThe Sports Development Service is part of the Active Communities Department at Cambridgeshire City Council. Contact details: Sports Development Service,Active Communities, Cambridge City Council. Hobson House, 44 St Andrews Street, Cambridge, CB2 3ASTel 01223 457000E.mail:sportsdevelopment@cambridge.gov.ukWebsite: www.cambridge.gov.uk and follow the links for Leisure and Entertainment to the Sports pages

East CambridgeshireEast Cambridgeshire District CouncilThe Grange, Nutholt Lane, Ely, Cambs CB7 2EETel:01353 616480E.mail: phillip.turner@eastcambs.gov.ukOr access the website: www.ECSport.co.uk or Website:www.eastcambs.gov.uk

Activity Opportunities for people with a disability

Your Weight Matters

For East Cambridgeshire Healthy Walks scheme, contact Gemma Voutt, Healthy Lifestyles Team, Cambridgeshire Community Services, E-Space North, 181 Wisbech Road, Littlport, Cambs, CB6 1RATel: 01353 865393

There are nine Leisure Centres in East Cambridgeshire. Further information on these is available from the District Council. A Directory of Sports Clubs in the locality can be accessed via the East Cambridgeshire District Council website.

FenlandSports Development Service, Fenland District Council, Fenland Hall, County Road, March, Cambs PE15 8NQTel 01354 654321E.mail: Sportsdevelopment@fenland.gov.uk or jrichardson@fenland.gov.uk Website: www.fenland.gov.uk

Fenland District Council owns each of the three leisure centres where many sports development activities take place. The Leisure Centre staff offer advice on weight management and lifestyle. The centres are; George Campbell Leisure Centre, City Road, March, PE15 9LTManor Leisure Centre, Station Road, Whittlesey, PE7 1UAHudson Leisure Centre, Harecroft Road, Wisbech PE13 1RL

HuntingdonshireThe Sports Development Team at Huntingdonshire District Council are responsible for various sports and leisure programmes,manyofwhicharedeliveredatthefivelocalleisurecentres: Huntingdon, St Ivo, Ramsey, Sawtry and St Neots leisure centres.

District Council Sports Development Teams

Your Weight Matters

Facilities offered include:5fitnessstudiosofferingfitnesstesting,healthylifestyleadvice, wellbeing programmes (St Ivo), nutritional advice, 5 swimming poolsSports hall, squash courts, health suites, synthetic turf pitchesClasses and courses including aerobics, step, spinning, yoga, pilates etc.

Further details of these facilities can be found at :http://www.huntsdoc.gov.uk/Leisure+andCulture/Leisure+Centres

Contact :Sports Development Team, Huntingdonshire District Council,PathfinderHouse,StMary’sStreet,Huntingdon,CambsPE29 3TN. Tel 01480 388469E.mail; LeisureDevelopment@huntsdc.gov.ukWebsite: www.huntsdc.gov.uk

South CambridgeshireThe Sports Development Team is part of the District Council’s Community Services Team and offers information on sports facilities and centres, disability sports and social clubs and exercise referral.

Contactdetails:SportsDevelopmentOfficer,SouthCambridgeshire District Council, South Cambridgeshire Hall, Cambourne Business Park, Cambourne, Cambridge CB3 6EA.Tel 01954 713349Website: www.scambs.gov.uk

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District Council Sports Development Teams

Your Weight Matters

East Cambridgeshire and Fenland The Directory provides information on a wide range of physical activity opportunities for adults in East Cambridgeshire and Fenland. It includes information on the healthy walks scheme, exercise referral scheme, facilities and classes in leisure centres and a listing of activities throughout East Cambridgeshire and Fenland. It also includes a section on useful websites providing information on various sports/activities and recommendations for exercise and certain conditions.Copies of the Directory can be obtained from: Healthy Lifestyles Team, Cambridgeshire Community Services, Unit 16, Espace North, 181 Wisbech Road, Littleport, Ely, Cambs CB6 1RATel 01353 865393

Cambridge City City Sport is a directory of sports facilities, activities and courses available in Cambridge City. The aim of City Sport is to provide sporting opportunities for the people of Cambridge and beyond. The Sports Development team organise courses for children and adults and promote activities run by or with other local clubs and organisations enabling them to offer many opportunities to participate in Sport at whatever age and ability.

A Disability and Social Clubs directory is available which lists opportunities offered by other organisations.

Physical Activity Directories

Your Weight Matters

Health services in CambridgeshireNeed information and advice or support with your family’s weight? Contact your Health Visitor, School Nurse or GP surgery in the firstinstance.

Cambridgeshire Nutrition and Dietetics ServiceThis service provides weight management advice in GP surgeries across the county. The service is accessed via the GP or practice nurse.

Contact Helen Gibbs, Doddington Hospital, Benwick Road, Doddington, March, Cambs PE15 0UGTel 01354 644360Email: helen.gibbs@cambridgeshirepct.nhs.uk

Fit for the FutureSome of the GP surgeries have specially trained staff who are able to give dietetic advice. Contact Helen Gibbs (as above) for further details.

Exercise Referral SchemeThis is a physical activity scheme for anyone who is very overweightorwithanymedicalconditionthatmaybenefitfromcontrolled, regular exercise (subject to availability of appropriately qualifiedstaff).TheschemeisruninpartnershipbetweentheHealth Service and District Councils and is delivered in local Leisure Centres. It involves referral by a health professional who is registered with the scheme and offers a tailored physical activityprogrammewithsupportfromaqualifiedexercise

Your Weight Matters

professional. An initial assessment is offered with monitoring and follow up.

The scheme is generally available at off peak times-Mon-Fri but in most cases, centre access is available 7 days a week. All staff who instruct on the scheme are registered on the National Register of Exercise Professionals at Level 3.

It is predominantly for 16 years and over although in some cases, younger people may be considered and must be accompanied by a parent or carer.

The schemes are on offer in each district council area however not all GP surgeries are currently part of the scheme. For further information and contact details, see the section for your district council area.

Health Services in Cambridgeshire

Your Weight Matters

Young people’s activities

Sorted OnlineSorted Online is a database supported by Connexions. Sorted Online has information on youth clubs and projects, opportunities tovolunteer,wheretofindoutabouthealthissues,helpandsupport agencies, arts , sports and leisure services. The database can be accessed via the purple pigeon website: www.purplepigeon.net PurplePigeon is the Connexions website in Cambridgeshire. It’s full of information, advice, local contacts and links to other quality websites on specialist issues.

YouthoriaHelp when you need it, entertainment when you feel like having fun and a voice when you want to be heard. Looking for something to do, places to go, from youth clubs and skate parks to sporting activities in and around Cambridgeshire? Then look at Youthoria, a website supported by Cambridgeshire County Council. Youthoria is an on-line magazine for 11-19 year olds developed by youth workers and young people. It can be used to access a directory of activities, clubs and organisations that provide opportunities for physical activity. The site aims to entertain, inform and empower young people.The Youthoria website can be accessed directly at:www.youthoria.org or Email: theteam@youthoria.org

Activities for young people with disabilitiesThe County Council SCIP (Service, Co-ordination, Information and Planning) service database provides information on activities, clubs and sporting events which are open to young people with disabilities. Activities include Sport, Arts, Crafts and fun opportunities such as Goal Ball, gymnastics, dance and

Useful Websites

Your Weight Matters

trampoline for young disabled people and information is provided by area.

Contact details: SCIP Co-ordinator, Buttsgrove Way, Huntingdon PE29 1LY. Tel 01480 375515www.cambridgeshire.gov.uk (then enter as keyword: ‘SCIP events’)

Activities for people of all agesCambridgeshire County Council WebsiteCambridgeshire County Council website provides information on services and activities offered by schools, health service, local councils and private and voluntary sector, There is information about activities your family and children can take part in including exciting and fun activities taking place in your local leisure centres e.g. Funzone, Kids Aloud, Madhouse, Soccer school skills, Pirates Paradise. Some centres also offer creche facilities.www.cambridgeshire.gov.uk (Children and Families)

Cambridgeshire County Council Sports DevelopmentInformation about sport and physical activity services supported by Cambridgeshire County Council can also be found on the Cambridgeshire County Council website-Sports Development web page or by contacting Gary Hughes, Sports Development Officer,Email: gary.hughes@cambridgeshire.gov.uk

Cambridgeshire.net (formerly Infocam)The Cambridgeshire.net community database lists over 4000 voluntary organisations, clubs, societies, courses, events, activities and public services in Cambridgeshire and includes activities for children, families and young people.It can be found at www.cambridgeshire.net

Useful Websites

Your Weight Matters

British Heart Foundation: ‘Get Kids on the Go’ -full of interactive ideas and tips to get your kids active. British Heart Foundation, 14 Fitzhardinge StreetLondon, W1H 6DHTel 020 7935 0185 Website:www.bhf.org.uk

The site also suggests other webites packed with ideas of activiitestoenjoywithyourchildren.Try:Electrikids!atwww.electrikids.com The site for Kids who aren’t afraid to sweat oreattheirbroccoli!Playground Fun at www.playgroundfun.org.uk full of ideas and games to play outside

BBC –Parenting offers things to do in the school holidays, Outdoor Play and much more. Website: www.bbc.co.uk/parenting/play

Useful Websites

Compiled by Cambridgeshire Community Services Healthy Lifestyles Team on behalf of NHS Cambridgeshire.