Somerset Council launches healthy living DVD

The DVD, called Kick Starting Health: Working together for the Future of Somerset's Children, is now available for use by school staff, parents, governors and health professionals working with primary schools. The 15-minute-film showcases ways in which Somerset children, their families and schools have worked together to promote healthy weight and well being. Clare Laker, healthy schools coordinator, explained: "Kick Starting Health highlights that being overweight or obese causes many problems for children. They may suffer from bullying, unhappiness and depression. In the longer term these children are more susceptible to health problems such diabetes, asthma, eating disorders, heart disease, strokes and cancer." She added: "The voices of children and parents in this film speak for themselves about the benefits of promoting healthy weights. It shows how some local parents, schools and children have developed simple ideas to promote healthy eating and physical activity to fight obesity." Councillor Sam Crabb, Somerset County Council's portfolio holder for resources, who invested £5,000 of his Local Initiatives Budget into the production of the film, said: "I am delighted that this DVD will be seen by thousands of teaching staff and parents in Somerset. "The aim is to get the DVD out to all Primary and Junior Schools in Somerset showcasing ways how they can encourage and help their pupils to get healthier. The key is eating better, exercising more and living more healthily. This is really important for young people's future, and I am delighted to have helped."