Emma Penrose
Emma's page
Fundraising for HENRY
Story
In June 2020 I earned my diploma in Nutrition and Lifestyle Coaching and have since been working with clients to optimise their health. While studying, something that would come up often was the need to educate children about healthy eating and exercise from a young age. The saying "prevention in better than cure" is really relevant here as childhood obesity had become a big issue in the UK and can lead to health issues and chronic disease in later life, putting a strain not only on the individuals and their families, but also the health care system and it's resources!
"Obese children are at greater risk of serious long term health problems, including cardiovascular disease, diabetes, musculoskeletal conditions and some cancers. Type 2 diabetes – typically an adult disease – is increasingly being diagnosed among children in the UK, some as young as seven. Early signs of fatty liver disease and arteriosclerosis are now being seen in children.
The emotional consequences of obesity in childhood can be real and immediate. Obese children may experience teasing, bullying, discrimination, low self-esteem and anxiety. Recent findings from the Millennium Cohort Study suggest that childhood obesity may be associated with emotional and behavioural problems from a very young age."
- nearly 1 in 4 children are overweight or obese when they start school aged 4-5 years
only 1 in 20 children who start school obese will return to a healthy weight by the age of 11
conversely, children who are a healthy weight at age 5, are highly likely to remain so at age 11 and beyond
studies show that obesity in teenagers overwhelmingly tracks into adulthood
That's why I have chosen HENRY to benefit from any donations made while I train and take part in the Paris Marathon on the 3rd of April 2022! I am going to need all the motivation I can get over the next 5 months as I train for this in the lovely cold, wet and dark winter months!! So please donate what you can and keep sending me your motivational messages if you can!!
About HENRY
"At HENRY we are passionate about babies and children getting the best possible start in life. This means supporting the whole family to make positive lifestyle changes, creating healthier and happier home environments, and building healthier communities.
Over the past 12 years we have supported thousands of families to transform family life for the better in all sorts of ways – including improved nutrition, emotional wellbeing, parenting skills, breastfeeding, and getting more active. We have worked with over 15,000 health and early years practitioners and collaborated with NHS trusts, local authorities, and many other partners.
HENRY family support works – 97% of families who join a HENRY family program are leading a healthier lifestyle by the program's end. Independent academic evaluation has shown that families make long term lifestyle changes and parents themselves often describe our support as ‘life-changing’. One mum said “We have become closer. We listen and interact more and sit together at mealtimes.""
So please give what you can to this incredible organisation as they create a brighter future, helping children lead happy and healthy lives, from childhood to old age!
To find out more about HENRY and the work they do you can visit their website at www.henry.org.uk.