Shake up this summer and get active

Shake up this summer and get active

Families in Somerset are being encouraged to get active over the summer holidays – and reap the wide-ranging benefits.

Evidence shows that children and young people who are more active have more confidence, higher self-esteem, less anxiety and stress and better social skills – attributes that can help them deal with the challenges they face in daily life. Positive attitudes towards physical activity have also been associated with children being happier.

The UK Chief Medical Officers recommend that children do at least 60 minutes of moderate to vigorous-physical activity every day.

To help children in Somerset get more active this summer, the Change4Life campaign is encouraging youngsters to play 10 Minute Shake Up games inspired by favourite characters from Disney and Pixar’s Toy Story 4 and Incredibles 2; and Disney’s Frozen and The Lion King.

Change4Life has also launched a new online quiz to help children, with their parents, find activities and sports that might be perfect for them to try, based on their skills and abilities. Simple daily activities like active play, scooting or walking count, so by encouraging them, parents can help their children become more active.

Councillor Christine Lawrence, Cabinet Member for Public Health and Wellbeing at Somerset County Council, said “The ten-minute shake-ups are a fun way to encourage children to enjoy some healthy physical activity. They are easy to do and will be an inspiration for children to take up a sport or other physical activity.”

Lara Snowden, Health and Wellbeing Manager for Public Health England South West said: “It’s important to highlight that physical activity is not only great for keeping children fit but also improves, self-confidence, reduces anxiety and improves educational attainment. The C4L campaign is inclusive and empowering. We hope that these activities will encourage everyone to be more active and promote the idea that physical activity is for all.”

This year marks the sixth year that PHE and Disney have worked together to inspire children to move more, with almost two million children taking part in last year’s campaign. 10 Minute Shake Up packs were distributed to schools during the summer term for children to take home so that they can continue to keep active over the summer.

Sport England will also help families try new sports and physical activities locally, whether at their local park, leisure centre or through a well-known sport.

If you’ve got top tips on keeping you and your family active the County Council’s Fostering team would love to share them. The ideas will be entered in a competition to win a signed Yeovil Town Football Club football. More details can be found here: www.facebook.com/fosteringinsomerset/

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