Type=image;ImageID=4859;ImageClass=left;ImageTitle=Change4Life's 10 Minute Shake Up campaign;TitleClass=strong;
Public Health England has teamed up with Disney for Change4Life's 10 Minute Shake Up campaign. It uses popular Disney characters to get children doing more 10 minute bursts of exercise.
Experts say children need a minimum of 60 minutes of moderate to vigorous exercise each day, which can be achieved in one session or through shorter 10 minute bursts of activity.
Only one in 5 children aged from 5 to 10 currently meets the recommended target of 60 minutes of daily activity, with nearly half in the West Midlands doing less than 30 minutes per day.
The 10 Minute Shake Up brings families a wide range of fun, free Disney inspired activities and games designed to get young people moving.
To join in, parents should search Change4life and sign up for the free 10 Minute Shake Up Pack, which includes a stopwatch to time activity, Disney inspired activity cards with fun ideas for games and activities and a wall chart and stickers to track progress. There is also a wide range of games and activities online at the Change4life 10 Minute Shake Up Zone to keep children active.
Ros Jervis, Wolverhampton's Director of Public Health, who recently issued a Call to Action to local organisations to join together and tackle obesity in Wolverhampton, said: "Obesity is a major problem in our city, particularly among Wolverhampton's younger residents, and it's an issue that we're doing all we can to tackle.
"Regular exercise is a key way in which people young and old can help themselves stay in shape, and the 10 Minute Shake Up is an enjoyable way in which younger residents can burn off those excess calories."
Councillor Sandra Samuels, Wolverhampton City Council's Cabinet Member for Health and wellbeing, added: "Encouraging children to do a few extra 10 minute bursts of activity every day can make a real difference to their health, and what better time to start than during the school holidays?
"I'd urge all parents to sign up their families to this excellent initiative which, long term, can yield real health benefits and encourages a change in lifestyle."
Marianthi O'Dwyer, VP, Head of Living Well at The Walt Disney Company, said: "This campaign uses children's favourite characters including Mickey Mouse, Sulley and Olaf and their recognisable signature 'moves' and stories as inspiration to get active."
- released: Wednesday 23 July, 2014