ACTIVE KIDS, HEALTHY FAMILIES

Health campaigns came to Evington Leisure Centre on March 1 st to create awareness about our lifestyles in their ‘Active Kids, Healthy Families' event. The stalls and activities varied from trying food to playing a spot of basketball. ‘Change for Life' and the NHS were among the leading campaigns to explain how to get our 5-a-day as well as the correct balance from other food groups. On hand was expert advice from nutritionists and dieticians. The NHS was also pioneering a campaign to combat smoking in the young and created advertisements based on popular culture to encourage them to stop the habit.

To demonstrate the ease of adopting a healthier lifestyle, there was a fruity flapjack and even chocolate cake to taste, but with a twist. A secret vegetable had been added…a courgette! Despite this it was still delicious and many found it impossible to guess the additional ingredient. Menus for schools were also available to illustrate the new healthy choices in place.

Exercise was another feature highlighted, which emphasised the need for us to get involved in sporting activities, and information about our local area was available. Such as the new exercise facilities in Evington Park.

There were also activities for young children, in which the word searches and quizzes proved very popular, as well as shooting at the basketball hoops and doing a short obstacle course. Dance mats too were available to improve their skills. An interesting feature was the ‘reaction wall' where people tried to hit the light, testing both speed and agility.

Overall, it gave a very good insight into the leisure centre and the facilities available as visitors were able to experience the sports hall. It also provided an opportunity to gain a greater understanding of our health and well being.

Gurjeet Kaur