Lifestyle revolution for South Australia families
The South Australian State Government has announced details of a push to improve the health of young South Australians - helping mums, dads and families to eat well, move more and live longer.
The new five-year, $22.3m Obesity Prevention and Lifestyle (OPAL) programme is aimed at tackling chronic disease in the community by starting at the beginning – with our children.
Health Minister John Hill says OPAL will help give young South Australians the best possible start.
“We want to help create healthy lifestyles for children and their families by galvanising support across the whole community and getting everyone singing from the same hymn sheet.
“The OPAL Scientific Advisory Committee will be chaired by Professor Boyd Swinburn, Chair of Population Health at Deakin University and a world renowned specialist in the field.
“I’m also pleased to announce that Olympian and former captain of the Australian women’s basketball team, Rachel Sporn, will head up the OPAL Strategic Advisory Committee.”
“One in every four children is in the unhealthy weight range, which places them at increased risk of health, emotional and social problems.
“The implications of this trend are serious, not just for the children’s lives, but also for the health system and even the economy as they can lead to chronic conditions such as diabetes, hypertension, heart disease and some cancers.
“If we’re to really make a difference to the future of these children, we need a concerted effort across the whole community.” Minister Hill says.
Education Minister Jane Lomax-Smith says the programme complements physical activity programmes already in schools and the Government’s ban on junk food sales in school canteens.
“Our schools do a fabulous job of teaching children the importance of eating well and being more physically active,” Dr Lomax-Smith says.
“However, schools are only part of the equation. Tackling childhood obesity is a whole-of-community issue that requires a whole range of responses.”
Six councils are on board with the OPAL program; Playford, Mount Gambier, Marion, Salisbury, Onkaparinga and Port Augusta. Between them, the program could reach up to 90,000 children – that’s around a third of all the kids in the state.
