CHILD obesity experts running an after-school healthy lifestyle programme for families in Uttlesford have launched five top tips to help families keep fit and healthy.

The MEND Programme run by Uttlesford District Council is a free 10-week healthy lifestyle programme in Uttlesford where children who are above a healthy weight, and their parents, learn how to become fitter, healthier and happier while having fun.

MEND’s five top tips on how to stay fit and healthy:

1. Schedule some time every week with your child doing something active

2. Keep a ‘screen time’ diary for a week noting how much time you and your child spend watching TV and playing computer games.

3. Create a boredom-buster box and fill it with ideas for fun activities

4. Change from white bread and pasta to wholegrain

5. Sit down as a family and eat dinner together

MEND programme manager and local childhood obesity expert for Uttlesford, Paul Goddard, said: “Making sure your child is a healthy weight can be a struggle for many parents. We want to highlight that making small changes can make all the difference to families who want to become fitter and healthier.”

To find out more about the programme, contact Mr Goddard on 01799 510257 or e-mail pgoddard@uttlesford.gov.uk

You can also find out more about the scheme by calling free phone 0800 230 0263, emailing info@mendcentral.org, or visiting mendcentral.org