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Forum delivers fresh approach to concerns about childhood obesity
22 June, 2004
10.30am Tuesday June 29
A free public forum exploring fresh approaches to dealing with children's health, weight and body image will be held at the University of the Sunshine Coast (USC) on June 29. Forum organiser and Lecturer in Public Health at USC, Lily O'Hara, said it is an opportunity for the community to discuss new approaches to concerns about the issue of childhood obesity.
"Body image and weight are topical issues and will have serious implications for our future. It's time for a wake up call to the community. We need to start thinking about positive ways to improve all children's health and social attitudes to weight that do not harm children's self esteem," Ms O'Hara said.
The forum is part of an innovative community based research project, which is taking a fresh approach to children's health by bringing together strategies in the family, school and community environments.
"Ms Betty Holmes from the University of Wyoming, who is involved in a similar project in the United States, will present an overview of how they are dealing with this issue and ways we can approach the issue from different angles."
Forum topics include:
- The impact of current focus on weight
- The need to shift focus from weight goals to health goals
- How we can do things differently
- Reasons to get involved in the Everybody Research Project
- How to get involved
Presented by USC's Centre for Healthy Activities, Sport and Exercise, and featuring an international guest speaker, the Everybody Forum will discuss ways of helping children to be happy and healthy by valuing different body shapes and sizes, healthy and pleasurable eating, and active living.
The forum is free and open to anyone who works or has an interest in this particular area.
The Everybody Project focuses on health and happiness in all children rather than body shape ideals and has been driven by strong community involvement and support.
"As far as we know, the Everybody project is the only grassroots approach to the issue in Australia. The support from the community has been outstanding and many schools, early childhood organisations, government departments and community groups have already joined us in looking for solutions," Ms O'Hara said.
How to get involved:
The forum is Tuesday June 29 at 10.30am - 12pm. Entry is free and the public are welcome, for further information please call 5430 2824.
For further information please contact the Media Relations Coordinator.