Image 2. Watermelon (Healthy Weight, 2008) Image 1. Running (Healthy Weight, 2008) Positive ways to change the exercise, diet and lifestyles of children. Presented by Rebecca Francis

Why is change imperative to children's health? Graph 1. Based on measured height and weight of children aged 5–17 years (Australian Bureau of Statistics,2009) CHILDREN'S BODY MASS INDEX 1995 and 2007/8 25% of Children aged 5-17 are either overweight or obese.(Austalian Bureau of Statistics, 2009) 50% of overweight children become overweight adults (Healthy Weight 2008) Chronic diseases are associated with poor nutrition and lack of physical activity (Eat Well Play Well, 2011)

How do we support and encourage children to become active? Set an example to children by being active, join in!(Australia's Physical Activity Recommendations for 5-12 year olds, 2004) Create plenty of fun opportunities to get active Link activities to build social & cognitive skills Encourage & support participation Image 3. Swimming (Healthy Weight, 2008)

Understand that not all children like the same activities Prompt children to get moving Set challenges to keep it fun and interesting Do something different everyday to build skills and utilise different muscles (Australia's Physical Activity Recommendations for 5-12 year olds, 2004) Image 4. Playing Ball (Healthy Weight, 2008) Image 5. Sprinklers (Healthy Weight, 2008)

Image 7. Vegetable bowl (Kids Eating Healthy, n.d) How do we support and encourage healthy eating? Follow the Australian Guide to healthy eating (Australian guide to healthy Eating, 2008) Expose children to a wide range of healthy foods Encourage children to participate in meal planning and preparation Eat healthy and nutritional meals as a family

Image 8. Fruit Eyes (The Parenting Magazine, 2009) Reward healthy choices Start the day with a healthy breakfast(Eat Well Play Well, 2011) Pack nutritious lunch boxes filled with healthy snacks (Eat Well Play Well, 2011) Offer water as an alternative to sugary drinks (Eat Well Play Well, 2011)