July 2005

Healthy living project provides food for thought

Families participating in a community project to address childhood healthy eating and physical activity in Colac have produced unprecedented results.

Announcing a further $140,000 in Government funding to extend Be Active Eat Well Health Minister Bronwyn Pike said the project aimed at improving the health and wellbeing of children aged two to 12 by promoting healthy eating and physical activity.

‘It has involved parents, schools, fast food outlets, GPs, recreation services and the local media.

‘Major elements of the project have included reducing the amount of TV, computer and game screen time, increasing activity levels and assisting children to eat well through reducing consumption of high sugar drinks and energy-dense snack foods.

‘The results of a mid-project survey conducted by Deakin University were so encouraging it has been decided to extend the three-year project for another year.

Encouraging results include:

• A 21.4 per cent reduction in TV viewing;

• Limiting the consumption of sweet drinks by 68.2 per cent;

• 57.1 per cent of those interviewed providing healthier lunch box foods;

• Participation in after-school physical activity programs by 67.9 per cent of children;

• Provision of healthier dinner time foods by 28.6 per cent;

• A 3.6 per cent change in choice of takeaway foods;

• Provision by 39.3 per cent of more active transport options;

• 60.7 per cent had a more positive attitude toward healthy eating/physical activity.

‘This extension of funding will allow the Colac project team to embed initiatives within the community to ensure they are sustained.

‘The survey was conducted with a random selection of 30 parents and key stakeholders including Colac-Otway Shire staff, teachers, fast food outlet operators and sporting club staff.

‘Awareness of the project among parents was high at 93 per cent with many also reporting changes in behaviour at a household level,’ Ms Pike said.

Ms Pike said the project team was developing a package of resources that would support other state and national obesity prevention initiatives.

‘Another component of future activities will be to provide intensive support for other communities within the Colac Otway region,’ she said.