More than 25 per cent of Canadian children from 2 to 17 are overweight or obese. In Saskatchewan, the problem is even more pronounced with a rate of over 29 per cent. Now, a new program was launched in Saskatoon in hopes of tackling the issue.
The University of Saskatchewan and Saskatchewan Blue Cross have now launched a new childhood obesity prevention program. The MEND program will begin this fall.
Arnie Arnott, president of Saskatchewan Blue Cross, says the program hopes to have long-term impact. "Having something that is preventative like this, dealing with children having healthy lifestyles, and taking actions that are going to lead to long term health for these individuals for the rest of their lives is very important."
Parents and their children come to the program twice a week for 10 weeks. The first hour is in a classroom setting. They'll learn about things like portion sizes and making healthy food selections. The next hour involves physical activity. The first class will be for 7 to 13 year olds but will expand after that.
Carol Rogers is the dean at the College of Kinesiology at the U of S. She says childhood obesity can lead to a host of problems later in life. "We want to make sure we do it right, so we're starting small and we've targeted various locations in the city, particularly schools, that we will work with."
The program is free, thanks to a donation of $1 million by Saskatchewan Blue Cross. They say what makes this program unique is that it involves the whole family.
"Their parents or guardians will have to be participants in the programs with them, so they will be involved. They too can share in helping to make their families healthier, fitter, and happier,” says Rogers.
The program will start as a three-year project beginning in Saskatoon, expanding to Prince Albert and the north in year two, and to Regina and the south in year three.
