Move Smart Week 2012 Launched

Three out of Four Nine-Year Old Children Don't Get Enough Physical Activity

The Nutrition & Health Foundation today (28th June, 2012) launched the first annual 'Move Smart Week', in partnership with the Camogie Association. The week runs from 2nd to 8th July 2012 and there is a programme of activities for all ages, males and female in a number of clubs across Ireland as well as tips on the website to encourage people to 'Move Smart', get more active and be healthier.

Move Smart Week complements the NHF's Annual Eat Smart Week which took place in April 2012. Activities are free and open to members and non members of camogie clubs. Fun activities for all adults and children of all ages and genders include Wall Ball Marathon and an Olympic skills star Challenge. A full list of activities can be found at: www.nhfireland.ie and www.camogie.ie

Speaking at the launch, Dr. Muireann Cullen, Manager of the NHF said: "We are delighted to launch this partnership and the first 'Move Smart Week' with the Camogie Association. Obesity costs €1.6 billion per year and will escalate if this national health issue is not addressed. 37% of Irish Adults are overweight and 24% are obese . Results from the GUI study confirm that a sizeable proportion of nine-year-old children in Ireland are overweight: 30% of girls and 22% of boys. . Only half (51%) of children exercise four or more times per week . This is no surprise when three out of four 9 year old children don't get the World Health Organisation / National Physical Activity guidelines recommended level of physical activity of 60 minutes per day. Only 21% of girls meet this recommended amount of daily activity .

"Move Smart Week aims to encourage people all over Ireland to get active, even just a little per day. One in 10 children watch three or more hours of television on an average weekday and 66% watch for between one and three hours . If some of this TV time was substituted for 60 minutes of a moderate level of activity, we could reverse the obesity epidemic and give our children a healthier, happier future. "Yes, these facts are alarming and we need to address our lifestyle choices - moving smart is a good start".

Aileen Lawlor, President of the Camogie Association said: "The Camogie Association is delighted to launch the first annual 'Move Smart' week with the Nutrition and Health Foundation. We acknowledge the importance of Nutrition and Exercise in our day to day lives and especially in the lives of our children. Research shows that we must take action and lead the way in encouraging adults and children to exercise more frequently and eat more healthily.

"As President of the Camogie Association I would like to take the opportunity to encourage everyone to get out doors and have fun while exercising, particularly during 'Move Smart Week'. Why not seek out a Camogie club near you as there are 549 clubs all over Ireland so there is bound to be one on your doorstep. Camogie is a great way to make friends, have fun and get plenty of exercise ensuring a healthier lifestyle.

"Obesity is something we can reverse, so why not see what is going on in your area between the 2nd and the 8th July, get active and 'Move Smart' to be a fitter, healthier person.