16/08/2013 - Permalink

Change4Life encourages Shropshire to make a ‘Smart Restart’ for a healthier future

Related topics: Health

A major new Change4Life campaign that aims to help families introduce healthy changes to their school-time routines launches has been launched.

The Change4Life’s Smart Restart Campaign, led by Public Health England, is being supported by Shropshire Council’s public health team, who are asking families in Shropshire to make the most of the fresh start of the new school year by signing up to a healthy change when the kids go back to the classroom.

Change4Life has created five changes to be followed for six weeks, and families across Shropshire are being encouraged to take on one change for the better, to help them lead healthier lifestyles for longer.  The five changes are:

  • stretch your legs – encouraging families to swap regular car or bus journeys for walking, cycling, using a scooter
  • 10-minute moves – incorporating extra 10-minute activities into kids’ routines to help build to the goal of at least 60 active minutes a day
  • screen-time switch – encouraging limiting screen time and swapping time in front of the TV, tablet or computer for something active
  • beat the treats – encouraging families to swap unhealthy treats for healthier alternatives
  • super lunches – help keep kids going through the school day with ideas for quick and tasty lunches.

To help families do this, Change4Life is encouraging them to sign up to the free Smart Restart campaign and pick one healthy change for them to try when they go back to school.

There are loads of great tips and ideas to keep families on track with their change, along with a free Smart Restart smartphone app to help inspire families to keep it up wherever they are.  Once signed up, families will receive support from Change4Life via email and text messages for six weeks from the start of term, as well as details of special offers, competitions and virtual rewards for the kids.

Karen Calder, Shropshire Council’s Cabinet member for health, said:

“It’s very important to live a healthy lifestyle, not only eating well but keeping active too, and it’s never too late to start.  Being healthy and active can dramatically reduce the chances of having any health issues, now or later in life.  I encourage everyone to sign up to the Smart Restart campaign and start making changes towards their healthy lifestyle.”

Keeping active and eating well are crucial for adults and children to maintain a healthy lifestyle, both physically and mentally.  Eating well and moving more can help children’s bodies and brains develop better.  It can even boost their concentration at school, helping them make this the best start to a new school year yet.

Dr Kevin Lewis, director of preventive health programmes at Shropshire Council, added:

“By the end of summer we can all tend to slack off a bit, and it’s easy to let good intentions slide.  But the new school year is the perfect time for a new beginning, and for the whole family to get fit and healthy for the best year yet.  So why not make that small change and join in the Smart Restart campaign.

“There are many services and local sources across Shropshire to support children and adults in enhancing their physical and mental health.  You can visit our Healthy Shropshire website to find out what’s available in your area.”

To sign up to your family’s Smart Restart programme, visit Change4Life website and download the free Smart Restart app to receive loads of tips and tools to help you and your family make one small change become a healthy habit.

Anyone in Shropshire who would like information and advice on living a healthy lifestyle can visit www.healthyshropshire.co.uk or call the Healthy Shropshire helpline on 0345 678 9025.  This number has been set up to provide a single point for people to go to for support with improving their health.   Advisers can help people looking to find out more about how they can be healthier, and prevent themselves or others from getting ill. 

Further information

Sign up for Smart Restart begins on 16 August 2013 and ends 15 September 2013. Search Change4Life online to register free for the programme and download the app.

The five Smart Restart changes are: Super Lunches, Screen Time Switch, 10 Minute Moves, Beat the Treats, and Stretch Your Legs.