About

EFDN’s new programme ‘Scoring for Health’ aims to tackle the problem of childhood obesity which is still a critical issue throughout Europe today. With the underlying target of promoting a healthy diet and lifestyle amongst children, their families, and wider communities across Europe, the programme supports the 3rd UN Sustainable Development Goal.

Scoring for Health encourages children from ages 7 to 14 years old and their parents to adopt a healthy lifestyle and make them aware of healthy nutrition. During this event, the pupils will have the opportunity to enjoy a day of sports and games as well as several educational workshops. Throughout the entire cycle of the programme, participants will be given specialist interactive classes, learning sessions, and workshops on a weekly basis. Key physical indicators and health determinants (height and weight, speed, balance, etc.) will also be measured, collected and calculated for each participant, giving an instant analysis of each child’s fitness and providing a scientific basis for allowing comparisons and defining the participants’ progress.

What are the goals of the programme?

• To encourage awareness of healthy lifestyles among the participating children and their parents
• To allow participants to experience that sport and exercise can be healthy and enjoyable
• To increase physical activity among children (25% more meets HEPA Guidelines standards)
• To promote healthy dietary behaviours based on the Guidelines for healthy nutrition
• To improve children’s physical fitness

What are the kids doing at school?

• They are being taught about the importance of nutrition
• Going to supermarket, learning to read packaging and act accordingly
• Meeting some of their favorite players, talking about health
• Physical activities and outside play, creating and playing
• Questions on what they have learned

What can you do to help?

• Motivate: This programme is a big challenge for the children. Not every day will be easy. To help them, show them that you are there for them, encourage them when they have ideas or plans connected to the project, join them if they want to do something on the weekend or if none of their friends can find the time.
• Support: The children will get new information about many different topics. Ask them about their days and experiences in the project. Listen to them and offer advice when they need help with something or have a problem. In the end, everyone needs different kinds of support so have a conversation with your child(ren) about what that could look like for your family.
• Reflect: You can also use this opportunity to reflect on your own relationship with food and exercise, talk about it with your partner and/or child(ren) and make changes together- then everything is a lot easier and also more enjoyable.
• Reach out: You and your child(ren) are not alone in the experience. You can always reach out to other parents, teachers or project leaders to connect.
• Test yourself: Do you know as much as your child(ren) about exercise and nutrition? Take the Quizzes to test your knowledge and awareness regarding healthy living, balanced diets, and physical activity. You can also challenge other family members and compare your knowledge.
• Learn more: You’re never too old to learn and try new things. Why not explore various options for a healthy and balanced nutrition plan through the Disk of Five? Based on this, you can go through your cookbooks or look for delicious and healthy meals online that you can then incorporate into your day and this could potentially be another family activity for you to do together.