NHS Lothian have launched Get Going, a new family-based healthy lifestyle programme that offers support to help your child get active, eat well and work towards a healthy weight.
It’s an eight-week programme delivered by trained Healthy Lifestyle Coaches in community venues and Leisure facilities. The emphasis is on fun and feeling good. It’s about getting active as a family and working together to make small, realistic lifestyle changes.
The programme includes:
- An introductory one-to-one appointment between the family and coach.
- Six 90-minute group sessions, covering healthy eating, physical activity and making positive lifestyle choices.
- Opportunities for children to make friends and take part in fun, active games whilst parents/carers get the chance to share ideas and experiences.
- A follow up one-to-one appointment at the end to help the family make a long-term plan to continue working towards a healthy lifestyle.
- An optional follow after three and six months
Get Going is offered free of charge to participants through funding from NHS Lothian. Delivery of Get Going is supported by Specialist Pediatric Dietitians and Child Psychologists.
Children who are overweight also tend to be overweight as adults however there are things you can do to help your child achieve and maintain a healthy weight. A healthy weight is important for health – it reduces the risk of diseases like coronary heart disease, type 2 diabetes, osteoarthritis and some cancers.
Get Going is aimed at children and young people aged 5 - 17 years who are overweight or obese, along with their parents/carers. This Healthy Weight Calculator can show you whether your child’s weight is outside the healthy range.
Parent/carers can self-refer a child onto the programme. You can either complete the self referral form online or print a copy and send it to the addresses listed below.
If you are a professional there is a referral form that can be filled in online or printed and sent to the addresses listed below.
For more details about your local Get Going service contact:
Weight Management Team
Astley Ainslie Hospital
Edinburgh, EH9 2HL
Tel: 0131 537 9209
Email: Get.Going@nhslothian.scot.nhs.uk
- Physical activity makes you feel good, as well as helping you to achieve a healthy weight – aim for at least an hour a day.
- Be more active as a family, by walking or cycling to school, going to the park or swimming. Have a look at Active Scotland to find activities near you.
- Encourage your child to spend less time in front of the TV or computer.
- Food should be enjoyable - try to eat together as a family when you can, without distractions like TV.
- The Eatwell website has some great ideas about eating well for children - remember breakfast and your five fruit and vegetables every day.
- Have a look at Take Life On for more hints and tips on achieving a healthy lifestyle.
