The free MEND program – standing for Mind, Exercise, Nutrition, Do it – is tackling childhood overweight and obesity rates which are already high and rising year by year in Australia.

MEND is a group program teaching children and families to change their lifestyles for better health, while having fun and boosting self-esteem. Graduates find themselves fitter, more confident and see reductions in waist measurements.

Developed by paediatric dietitians and psychologists in the United Kingdom, MEND focuses on three key areas:

Mind: The Mind sessions are all about making healthy changes easy and fun. They include sessions on goal setting, thoughts and feeling, the difference between hunger and cravings, role modeling and self esteem.

Exercise: Twice a week, children participate in fun, games-based exercise sessions run by trained leaders. The games make exercise fun, even for children who aren’t fans of traditional school sports.

Nutrition: During the nutrition sessions, children and parents learn all about healthy eating.

Topics include identifying every day foods versus sometimes foods; portion sizes; reading food labels and healthy cooking.

MEND groups are running in Wagga, Junee and Tumut starting on Monday and are run by the Riverina Division of General Practice & Primary Health with funding provided by Greater Southern Area Health Service.

Each program is 10-weeks long, with the group meeting for two hours twice a week.

The programs run during the school term, with a break in the school holidays.

MEND also offers ongoing updates and support for program graduates. A parent or carer needs to attend with their child, so the whole family can benefit.

Places are offered on a first come, first serve basis.

Register now by calling 6923 3106 or online at www.mendcentral.org.