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With the end of 2015 fast approaching – we have just a few months to get into great shape before the clock strikes twelve and 2016 dawns! Similarly – we have these few months to put into action all the solutions required to improve our country’s grade on our 2016 Healthy Active Kids South Africa (HAKSA) Report Card! Some eighteen months ago, our 2014 HAKSA Report Card, which built on the foundation of previous report cards from 2007 and 2010, revealed a rather dismal D grade for our South African kids health; a drop from the previously attained C minus.
And the HAKSA report card grade isn’t just a thumb-suck of what we “think” is going on; it is developed by a scientific panel, comprised of academics and experts from 6 universities, the MRC, the Sports Science Institute of SA (SSISA), the Heart and Stroke Foundation of South Africa and Discovery Vitality and uses peer reviewed research findings from the last 5 years for grading purposes.
It’s also an advocacy document that highlights concerning trends in healthy eating and physical activity in South African children, with the intention of instigating change at all levels from national government policies to the family and school environment. Visit Discovery for the full report.
There is one thing for certain about South Africans – when faced with problems – we tend to find solutions. True to form – our 2014 HAKSA scientific advisory gave us a list of issues that needed to be addressed to improve our kids’ health. Rather than be daunted by the thought that as individuals, we are too insignificant to bring about any change – let’s rather be buoyed up by the thought that we most certainly have the power to change – not only our lives – but that of others around us - by influencing them positively; being a great role model and of course adopting some of the ideas and suggestions covered in this series.
The SSISA has as part of its mission - to improve the health and wellness of South Africans and we try to engage with partners who share this vision. “Move for Your Health”- a World Health Organisation campaign – is one such initiative where we believe that great partnerships and healthy messaging can help improve the quality of lives of many.
Health information is useful and motivating – but far better, is to actually get into gear and move for our health.
So in partnership with the Community newspapers, Western Province Cricket Club Running Section (WPCC), ADT, MySchool, Woolworths, the City of Cape Town and SANParks, we are hoping to inspire Capetonians from all walks of life – to get moving. In line with this, not only will we bring you implementable solutions to improve our 2016 HAKSA Report Card grade, we will also provide a six week training programme to prepare you for your first 6km walk or run! These training programmes will be available on ssisa.com and will have you fighting fit for the “MySchool Move for your Health 6km walk/run” at the 2015 Landmarks event, Claremont, Cape Town on 1 November. Moms out there who are wanting tips regarding providing healthier, fun choices for their kids – follow our Mom bloggers on health24.com where ideas, tips and wisdom will be shared for kids of all sizes, temperaments and ages (including the adult variety!) Grab your tackies, friends and kids, and let’s upgrade our lifestyles together. Schools – we are after you too! There is amazing prize money for schools who have the highest percentage participation at the MySchool Landmark’s 6km event.
Read more:
Getting healthy may be easier with a partner
