New statistics from Diabetes UK show that we have the world’s 5th highest rate of Type 1 diabetes diagnoses in children aged up to 14, and that the number of Type 2 diagnoses in children are increasing – rapidly.
Diabetes currently affects more than 4.5 million people in the UK. That’s more than are affected by any other serious health condition, and more than dementia and cancer combined. Every day, around 700 people are diagnosed with diabetes, which is equal to one person every two minutes. This is potentially the most devastating health crises of our time. But in many cases, it is entirely preventable.
Adina McLaughlin and Clare Woods, Stranmillis PS.
Type 2 diabetes accounts for almost 90% of all diabetes cases. Historically, this form of diabetes was more prevalent in adults, but we are seeing an emerging pattern of an increase in the number of younger, overweight children being diagnosed with the disease. A disease that is directly linked to obesity and lifestyle, and which can be prevented or delayed by maintaining a healthy weight, eating sensibly, and exercising regularly.
Kelly Molloy, owner of Wee Chicks Fitness said: “From a young age, we must set an example for young children, and empower them with information to enable them to make healthy lifestyle and food choices. We run Health Choices Programmes, and we have seen the impact they make on children who decide to make healthier food choices as a result.”
“With the statistics showing a shocking rise in levels of childhood obesity, and the very real potential of developing serious illnesses such as diabetes as a result, we feel it is essential to educate young people, from their early years of childhood, in how to make smart food choices and how to live a healthy lifestyle.”
It is recognised that children are much less active today than they were ten or 15 years ago, even though the NHS recommend that children aged five to 16 get at least 60 minutes of physical activity per day. Lack of activity along with the convenience of high-calorie processed foods, and the general increase in portion sizes, means that as a nation, we are facing a serious epidemic.
Initiatives like Beat the Street are hoping that with the support of local schools, community groups, and businesses, they can make a difference in educating children and young people about the benefits of a healthy lifestyle.
Beat the Street is a physical activity challenge funded in Northern Ireland by the National Charity Partnership (Diabetes UK, British Heart Foundation, and Tesco) that transforms local areas into an interactive game. Players receive points for running, walking, or cycling, and they can tap special sensors on their travels, helping their team win prizes by travelling the furthest distance.
The last initiative ran from the 13th of September to the 1st of November, encouraging over 32,000 people living, working, and going to school in Belfast, Lisburn, Newtownabbey and Holywood to get active.
The initiative includes prizes for winning schools and teams, which were presented at Girdwood Community Hub recently.
Lifting the 1st place trophy and scooping a £1,000 Decathlon voucher to spend on sports and fitness equipment was Stranmillis Primary School, followed by St Bride’s Primary School in 2nd place, and Black Mountain Primary School in 3rd.
Also collecting awards on the day were 1st Place (Average Distance Category) winner Newtownabbey-based LAE School of Dance, followed by Lagan Valley Orienteering, and Belmont Walkers, coming in second and third respectively. Awards were also presented to Bunscoil an tSléibhe Dhuibh, Andrew Thompson, Julie Anne Stewart, and Reagan Crozier, for their efforts.
Jenna Hall, Programme Director for the National Charity Partnership, said: “Beat the Street has created a real buzz in Northern Ireland. The awards event showcased just how successful this game has been in engaging the community over the past two years, in total helping more than 65,000 people to get moving! We hope residents will continue to explore their local area and stay active at their own level now that the game has finished.
“Type 2 diabetes can double a person’s risk of developing heart and circulatory disease and can lead to other debilitating health problems, but it is largely preventable. Projects like Beat the Street are helping hundreds of thousands of people to reduce their risk by getting active and staying active.”
Kelly Molloy added: “It is essential that we educate our children and their parents so they have enough information about the food they eat, and the impact it can have on their health. With the power of advertising, many products are being represented as ‘healthy’ when in fact they are not due to high sugar, fat or salt content.
“We believe that a lack of information, or the misunderstanding of information available, has a lot to do with the increase in childhood obesity. Becoming educated in how to eat healthily and lead a more active lifestyle empowers everyone. By making small lifestyle changes, we can make a huge difference to not only our own health, but also that of our children.”
For more information about Wee Chicks go to www.weechicks.com
