Change4Life Day aims to kick obesity into touch

Then get yourself down to Southend United's Roots Hall stadium this Saturday, January 8th, and take part in Change4Life Day.

Southend Children's Trust's Change4Life Group, in partnership with Southend United Community & Educational Trust, will be staging a host of activities prior to the Blues' npower League Two clash with Chesterfield .

The event, which is being held to promote National Obesity Week (17th to 23rd January 2011) kicks off at 1.30pm.

A whole host of activities will be available for fans, including:  

• The Blenda-Venda - a specially adapted bike connected to a rolling road dynamo which powers a food blender used for making nutritious fruit smoothies
• Free NHS health checks for adults who are not on medication in the stadium's Collymore Suite - including blood pressure, cholesterol, Body Mass Index and weight management checks
• Information stands on health and programmes designed to improve personal fitness and assist people give up smoking and adopt a healthy lifestyle
• The opportunity to collect a host of healthy recipes distributed by Change4Life staff and
• The distribution of free fruit to fans by staff from Waitrose

Blues' players will warm-up for the game in Change4Life training tops and fans will have the chance to test their shooting prowess before the game using SUFC's inflatable goalmouth.

And at half-time children who have completed the MEND healthy lifestyles programme for seven to 13-year-olds will be on the pitch taking penalties.

SUFC's man of the match will also receive a Waitrose fruit basket rather than the traditional bottle of champagne.

There's even a financial incentive for fitness-conscious families to attend the Change4Life Day - a party of two adults and two children will pay just £20 for admission.

Southend-on-Sea Borough Council's Executive Councillor for Culture, Derek Jarvis, said: "Obesity is on the increase and it's essential that we do all we can to reverse this worrying trend.

"New Year is the ideal time for parents who are concerned that they and their children are leading unhealthy lifestyles to do something positive about it.

"The Change4Life Day at Roots Hall on Saturday is a great opportunity for mums and dads to have a free health-check and pick up some nutritious recipes for the whole family."

Sarah Potts, Health & Well Being Officer for the Southend United Community & Educational Trust, said: "Having a healthy lifestyle is one of the most important things you can do for your family.

"Making small lifestyle changes can help you improve your health and help you look and feel better.

"The Change 4 life event will give families the information they need to help them lead healthy and happy lifestyles."