NHS Norfolk is touring the county’s libraries – giving children Top Tips on how to make a Change4Life.

The Top Tips Tour is visiting libraries in Fakenham, Norwich, Downham Market, King’s Lynn and Great Yarmouth to show youngsters aged from seven to 10 how easy it can be to adopt a healthier lifestyle.

Libraries will be also be hosting a series of displays from Monday 10th to Sunday 23rd January 2011. As well as borrowing healthy living books and DVDs, library visitors will be able to pick up Change4Life tips and even complete the ‘How are the Kids?’ questionnaire for a chance to win a healthy hamper.

The Department of Health’s Change4Life movement aims to reverse the rising tide of obesity and encourage everyone to get involved and make positive life changes.

The Top Tips Tour will be at the following venues:

Saturday 15 January 2011 10.30-11.30am Fakenham    
Saturday 15 January 2011  2.30-3.30pm Plumstead Road, Norwich     
Saturday 22 January 2011 10.00-11.00am Downham Market    
Saturday 22 January 2011   2.30-3.30pm Gaywood, King’s Lynn
Saturday 22 January 2011   2.30-3.30pm Gt Yarmouth    

At Fakenham, Norwich, Gaywood and Great Yarmouth, children are welcome to turn up on the day. For the Downham Market session, places must be booked in advance by phoning 01366 383073.

Each session is free, and goody bags will be given to the first 20 children who arrive at each venue.

Alex Lynch, NHS Norfolk’s Change4Life Co-ordinator, said: “The Top Tips Tour uses various fun and interactive exercises to stress the importance of healthy eating from an early age.

“We hope children will enjoy the sessions, and also take home knowledge for a healthier lifestyle, to help them as they grow older.”

Events included in each one-hour session are:

1. The Fats of Life
Alex said: “This encourages children to separate fat fact from fat fiction. We all know that too much fat is bad for us, but it’s not always easy to know how to get a healthy balance. How much fat should we be eating? What does ‘low fat’ actually mean? Does how we cook food make any difference?

“Children will set about the task of debunking the myths and searching out the truths.”

2. The Secret Sugar Show
A series of interactive demonstrations will help children understand that sugar can be hidden in all sorts of unexpected places.

Alex said: “Sugar is everywhere! Some sources, such as cakes and sweets, are more obvious, but it’s also lurking in foods that you might never suspect, under a host of alter egos. We want to challenge the children to expose the prime suspects”

3. The Top Tips Bush Tucker Trial
Don’t worry – there are no grubs or nasty insects involved! Participants will be encouraged to don a blindfold and try a selection of our mystery healthy foods.

Alex said: “Children are often reluctant to try new foods at home, but will do so in a different environment. Presented as a game and a bit of fun, it is a good way to encourage them to do try new foods and a tick list will be provided for parents as a reminder of the foods their children have tried and enjoyed.”

Jonathan Williams, NHS Norfolk’s Assistant Director of Public Health, said: “NHS Norfolk is pleased to promote this Change4Life initiative.

“Research has shown that children who are overweight or obese tend to remain so as adults, putting themselves at risk of a range of health problems and diseases, including diabetes and cancer.

“All the activities on the Top Tips Tour have been designed to be hands-on and fun. We are grateful to all the libraries involved for supporting the project, and hope it will show children how easy healthy living can be.”

Adults and families can receive a free personalised action plan by joining the Change4Life campaign at www.nhs.uk/Change4Life

The Your Services section of the NHS Norfolk website includes information on specific services to help you achieve a healthier lifestyle, such as the NHS Norfolk Health Trainer Service and Smokefree Norfolk, which is commissioned by NHS Norfolk and managed by Norfolk Community Health and Care NHS Trust.

Visit www.norfolk.nhs.uk/top-tips-change4life-tour to find out more.