West Ham United Foundation are calling for Hammers fans to make their 2017 a healthier one by kick-starting the New Year with a healthy pledge, in support of JanUary 2017.
Formerly ‘National Obesity Week’, JanUary, which is taking place between 15 and 19 January, is intended to raise awareness of obesity and the positive steps the public can take to live a healthier lifestyle.
Obesity is of rising concern in the UK, particularly within our community in the capital, where children are the fastest growing ‘at risk’ population, with an increasing percentage of overweight or obese children in Year 6 of Primary School. In Tower Hamlets alone, nearly one in 4 children aged 10-11 are classed as obese.
WHU Foundation currently work within a large number of Primary Schools in east London and Essex, where the Premier League Primary Stars and Moore Family Foundation’s programmes aim to highlight physical activity and teach elements of healthy lifestyles, in addition to core literacy skills.
Maria Abraham, Health Manager at West Ham United Foundation said: “With obesity rates in England the second highest in Europe, it is vital that we begin to make small changes that contribute towards our futures, and the lifestyles of not only ourselves, but our families. By making a pledge to ‘do something for U’ in January, individuals can begin 2017 with a healthy goal in mind, and reduce the chances of suffering from the associated health risks.”
Barbara Dinsdale, Head of Lifestyle at Heart Research UK said: “Obesity is one of the great public health issues of our time, and it is important that local communities come together to help each to support their health and wellbeing. That’s why local events and promotions are such an important part of JanUary.
“We want this week to be a landmark in the way the country deals with its health. There are simple and positive things that we can all do to help ourselves, and we hope the public will be inspired by events like these and will join our National New Year’s Resolution.”
To get involved in JanUary 2017, all you need to do is ‘do something good for U’, by making a pledge or resolution to make a change that benefits your health in 2017. It might be to cook from scratch more often, to become more active, or to eat healthier.
You can find more information and enter your New Year’s Resolution, as well as signing up to receive information on healthy eating, nutrition and exercise by visiting the JanUary 2017 website – www.jan-u-ary.co.uk.