Warrington children’s poor dietary habits

CHILDREN in Warrington have worse dietary habits than the national average – and there are concerns about low levels of physical activity.
This is revealed in the annual report on public health in the borough which, this year, has focussed on improving the health of school age children.
Director of public health Dr Rita Robertson (pictured) explains that last year, the report focussed on a lifestyle survey among adults.  Feedback from this survey included questions as to have a similar survey was not done for children and young people.
She said: “We listened and undertook a detailed survey amongst school children. We would like to thank the schools that helped us to undertake this work.
“It has given  us a rich source of data to add to our routine sources of information on the health of children and young people.”
Overall, the report shows that health is improving in Warrington. The overarching indicator of health, life expectancy, is increasing in all areas.  But there remains a challenge to narrow the gap between different areas of Warrington and to narrow the gap between Warrington and national averages.
The large scale survey survey in schools, carried out in Year 6, Year 8 and Year 10,  showed that in many areas Warrington children have lower lifestyle risk factors than the national average, such as in smoking and overweight/obesity levels.
In other areas, such as use of alcohol, Warrington children have similar consumption levels to the North West generally. Insome areas, such as dietary behaviours, Warrington children have worse habits than national averages.
“There are some particular areas of concern, such as levels of physical activity do not meet the Chief Medical Officer’s guidelines, low levels of satisfaction with body image in older girls and the evident lack of knowledge about some sexual health and substance misuse issues.”
The report paints a picture of a lack of overall clarity on the health improvemnt offer to school aged children.
“We need to assure ourselves that school children are receiving a conhesive and comprehensive offer of health education and support.
“Our call for action is that the council, with its partners,  reviews the health improvement  landscape for school  children and makes recommendations for improvement if necessary.”