Helping make healthy kids through exercise

Many of you will be relieved to see the days starting to get longer and the temperatures beginning to increase as spring has finally arrived.

The winter seems to mean the flu has been doing the rounds and kids becoming sicker than other seasons.

That’s why it’s good to have a couple of successful school programmes that are worth a mention for helping keep children healthier for longer.

Last week I was happy to deliver a 5+ A day gift basket to Taitoko School to distribute to children in need. 5+ A day is focussed on ensuring that fruit and vegetables are available to low decile schools. It’s run by a charitable trust with funding from the Ministry of Health to promote healthy eating among our youth.

Farmers across the country are also working together to bring healthy, nutritious milk to kids through Fonterra Milk for Schools. It’s free, and so far 145,000 children enjoy it each day.

A Massey University study last year shows children drinking milk at school have significantly improved their bone health.

Some Horowhenua and Ka¯ piti schools also take advantage of breakfast in schools. It ensures kids are ready to learn in the classroom with a full tummy to start their day.

As well as teaching our youth to eat healthily it’s important to make sure they are living active lifestyles.

I visited the CACTUS programme at Waiopehu College recently where students get up early and take part in a rigorous exercise programme before school. It’s run by the Police and also helps teach kids discipline, personal goal setting and team work.

Programmes like these are a worthwhile investment because they teach good habits for later in life and healthier lifestyles leads to less health complications down the track. I know some families struggle so it makes sense to invest in our youth so that they can live healthy lives and it will set them up for the future.

If your school wants to get involved with the 5+ a Day or Milk for Schools initiative they can sign up by visiting www.5aday.co.nz and www.fonterramilkforschools.com