Obesity program starts

The "Q4 Live outside the box" program has started at a number of local primary schools.

Woy Woy Public school, Umina Public school, Pretty Beach PS and Ettalong PS all reported the program starting.

The program is part of a local campaign to raise community awareness about childhood and adolescent overweight and obesity.

Pretty Beach Primary will be involved during weeks six and seven, during the time students will be encouraged to eat healthy foods and participate in regular physical activity.

The school canteen will be involved and a gold, silver and bronze certificate system will be used as awards.

Ettalong Public School started the program from March 1 and is encouraging parents to monitor the programs activities.

Umina Public School will run the program over two weeks, each child who participates will receive a certificate at the end.

Woy Woy Public vice-principal Julian Mostert said the school had the competition off and running.

"If 5M are any indication, there certainly has been lots of interest raised by the program," she said.

Newsletters, March 5