A new program that will soon be launching in Swift Current by the Growing Healthy Families Coalition is called MEND (Mind, Exercise, Nutrition, Do it!)! The mission of MEND is to inspire children, families and adults to lead and sustain fitter, healthier and happier lives by focusing on changing behaviours that lead to obesity.
Presently in Canada, more than a quarter of children ages 2-17 years are overweight or obese. In Saskatchewan, the problem is even more pronounced where over 29% of children aged 2-17 years are overweight or obese.
The MEND program offers a solution to help bridge the gap between what happens at school and at home. MEND is an 8 week free program for families that provides effective tools and resources to improve their eating and physical activity habits at home.
During the past ten years, the MEND (Mind, Exercise, Nutrition, Do It!) program has evolved into one of the most successful and internationally-recognized obesity prevention initiatives with programs in the UK, Canada, US, Australia, Denmark and New Zealand. The program is based on evidential research and employs a multi-faceted approach that is community and family-centered.
The Growing Healthy Families Coalition
Cypress Health Region, Chinook and Holy Trinity School Divisions, The City of Swift Current, and South West District for Culture, Recreation and Sport
