Healthy habits a priority for our kids

A program teaching local kinder kids healthy habits aims to fulfil its six-point priority list for the first time at five centres next year, according to an administrator.
The preschools ticked off four points in the Healthy Together Geelong program this year and would earn Victorian Government recognition if they completed the rest in 2016, said health promotion officer Carly Monaghan.
The program targets healthy eating, physical activity, mental health and wellbeing, safe environments, sun protection and tobacco control.
The five local participants nearing the finish line are Woodlands, Portarlington and Beacon Points preschools and Ocean Grove and Leopold kindergartens.
Healthy Together Geelong congratulated the centres for their “commitment to creating a healthy and supportive environment for their community”, Ms Monaghan said.
“The passion and motivation from the centre directors of these services has been a key driver of this success, along with parent involvement and management support.
“They have worked extremely hard to change the culture of their services, leading to better health and learning outcomes for children now and in the future.”
Cancer Council Victoria program manager Anthony Bernardi said 80 early childhood services in Geelong had joined the program.
“The program empowers early childhood centres with the help and support they need to create a healthy service.
“By making healthy changes the Geelong services are giving children in their care a great start to their education and development.”
A Victorian Government achievement program supports the development of healthy early childhood services, schools and workplaces.