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New Program - Kids-Life!
Kids-Life! is a Victorian Government Initiative to enrich the physical, social and emotional wellbeing of children. For the first time in Central West Gippsland, the project is offering free healthy lifestyle courses for children aged 5 to 12 years and their parents and/or carers. Once registered, families participate in either an individualised or group support program. The group sessions by are facilitated by qualified MEND (Mind, Exercise, Nutrition...Do it!) trainers, commencing mid July 2009.
In the MEND program families take part in fun 2-hour sessions, twice a week for 10 weeks. Accurate health information provided by health professionals supports families to improve their eating and exercise habits, thereby improving children’s fitness, physical activity levels, nutrition and self-esteem. Thanks to funding from the Department of Human Services, three courses with 12 places worth up to $800 per child are being offered to families completely free of charge on a first come first served basis.
The MEND Program is an evidence based healthy lifestyle program for children above their ideal weight and their families. Rather than focusing on weight loss, the Program uses a practical interactive learning approach to teach children and parents weight management skills. This includes inspiring families to adopt a healthier lifestyle and enjoy preparing and eating healthy foods as well as reading food labels and healthy shopping on a budget. There are also simple but exciting sessions which focus on making exercise fun again – especially for children who are not fans of traditional school sports.
The MEND Program has proven results. Children who take part, change body shape, reduce their waistlines and achieve a healthier weight for their age and height, which results not only in them being healthier and fitter but also gaining in self esteem and confidence.
The Kids-Life! Coordinator at Latrobe Community Health Service says, “The Kids-Life! MEND Program can really change families’ lives. We offer a friendly relaxed atmosphere to encourage children to give new things a go and show parents how they can be supportive and involve the whole family in making healthier choices and following an active lifestyle. Children become healthier and fitter while their self esteem and confidence increase greatly. We very much hope families will take up the chance to improve their health with this fantastic free course.”
Places on the MEND Program are on a first come, first served basis. Families interested in participating should contact Gina Boyanton at the Central West Gippsland Primary Care Partnership on (03) 5127 9108 or visit www.mendprogramme.org and click on ‘Join a MEND Program’. Please note a parent or carer must accompany each child to every session.
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Minister for Health visits
Morwell Redevelopment
On Tuesday 16 June 2009 the State Health Minister, Daniel Andrews, attended the Morwell Redevelopment site to mark the completion of the foundations. This was the Minister’s third visit demonstrating the State Government’s continued support of the project.
The Minister’s visit was attended by Matt Viney, Minister for Eastern Victoria, along with Councillor Bruce Lougheed, LCHS Board Chairperson John Guy, staff members and local business owners and residents.
The redevelopment project continues to run on time and budget with June 2010 being the anticipated month for LCHS services to commence operation from the new building.
Images of the development are available for you to view (all images are less than 500 KB):- Click here for South East view
Click here for South West view
Click here for internal Reception area
Click here for Ground Floor Plan
Click here for First Floor Plan
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