FAB Kids encourage healthier lives on the East Coast

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FAB Kids, which first took place in January 2010, is a programme run by East Lindsey District Council, with funds from NHS Lincolnshire, to educate young people about the importance of eating a healthy and balanced diet and taking regular exercise. FAB stands for Fit Active Bodies.

Research shows that Lincolnshire has a high percentage of overweight and obese children between Reception and Year 6 when compared to other regions.

The FAB Kids programme is working with families to address this issue and is aimed at those aged between 7 and eleven.

GPs, parents and school nurses can all refer young people onto the programme but by doing so the young person is expected to commit to attend two sessions each week for the 12 weeks they're signed up. The sessions are free to attend.

Sue Jephcote is from Skegness and her daughter attended the sessions earlier this year: “My daughter has learnt a lot about food and is more conscious about what she eats now . She is also more active, which is important.”

One session each week focuses on food and portion sizes and the other is a practical session for the young person involving fun games and exercise. A parent is also asked to attend the classroom based session each week. The sessions in both Mablethorpe and Skegness begin week commencing September 13, 2010.

Sessions take place as follows:

Mablethorpe

• Tuesdays at Station Sports Centre between 4pm and 5pm.
• Thursdays at the Marisco Medical Practice on Stanley Avenue between 4pm and 5pm.

Skegness

• Mondays at Embassy Swimming Pool between 4pm and 5pm
• Wednesdays at St. Clements Hall between 3.45pm and 4.45pm

East Lindsey District Council hopes that once the course is over, those taking part will join a local club, perhaps to do a sport or learn to dance, so they can continue to build their confidence and enjoy exercise on a regular basis.

For more information on the programme or to sign up to it, please contact Exercise Referral Specialists, Charlotte Swift on 07958805115 or David Clark on 01507 472129.