Medibank Private 1Seven - a national health and wellbeing program for Australian children
Australian children today are far less likely than children of previous generations to play outdoors or walk or cycle to destinations.1
There is also evidence that Australian children’s intake of energy has increased.1 As a result, Australian children are becoming heavier. The number of children who are overweight or obese has jumped dramatically in the past few decades, with studies showing 26.1 per cent of boys and 23.7 per cent of girls are overweight or obese.2
Problems such as poor body image, low self-esteem and poor eating habits are frequent among these children and a range of associated health problems can develop. Type 2 diabetes, which is normally found in adults, is becoming increasingly prevalent in this group.1
The Medibank Private 1Seven program aims to communicate a simple, but important message: encourage children (5 to 12-year-olds) to participate in at least one hour of moderate to vigorous physical activity and eat seven serves of fruit and vegetables (five serves of vegetables and two of fruit) every day.
Our basic message is: Move More. Eat Well.
Encouraging children to become more active and improve their nutrition will promote improved health and reduce the risk of poor health later in life.
Key Partners
Medibank Private is committed to the health and wellbeing of the Australian community. Medibank Private, and program partners the Australian Football League and Netball Australia, have combined to promote and deliver the 1Seven message and activities. The program design and implementation is supported by health and wellbeing organisation, fitness2live.
The 1Seven Mission
- To increase awareness of the rate of overweight and obese children in Australia, and the contributing factors.
- To promote healthy behaviour that will lead to improved physical activity levels and better health in children.
- To encourage physical activity habits and values that will keep people active throughout their lives.
- To create strong community awareness of introductory sporting programs for children, such as NAB AFL Auskick and Netball Australia Net Set GO!
- To increase awareness of the rate of overweight and obese children in Australia, and the contributing factors.
What does 1Seven offer?
Resources for schools, classrooms, homes and communities:
- A website with content for students, teachers and parents and carers.
- Opportunities to have school visits by program ambassadors and athletes.
- School visits by program ambassadors and athletes.
- Easy-to-use, free lesson plans.
- Competitions and incentives for involvement.
Target participants
Primary school children, their parents and carers, teachers and schools
Children1Seven promotes healthy food choices and physical activity. Some strategies will include:
- Fun, curriculum-based lessons highlighting the importance of physical activity and healthy eating.
- Active Lunch Boxes that contain equipment and instructions for games.
- Competitions, stories and fun stuff on the 1Seven website.
- Opportunity to have school visits by program ambassadors and athletes.
Parents1Seven offers parents practical assistance, including:
- Healthy-eating guides to help with the daily task of filling lunch boxes.
- Online resources that offer guidance for families to help them lead healthier lifestyles and how parents can be healthy role models for their children.
- Encouraging parents to consider their child’s participation in relevant sporting programs, such as NAB AFL Auskick and Netball Australia Net Set GO!
Teachers and Schools1Seven offers teachers and schools practical resources, including:
- Free web-based lessons (Prep/Reception/Kindergarten, Grades 1-2, 3-4, 5-6), which incorporate practical and theoretical activities. These lessons are mapped to State and Territory education and learning standards requirements, making it easy to integrate 1Seven lessons into curriculum planning.
- Access to articles based on health-related issues.
- Monthly newsletter with updates, news, competitions, announcements and great ideas.
- Competitions and incentives for participation.
Incentives and rewards program
1Seven offers a range of competitions, rewards and incentives for schools, teachers, students and parents to stimulate interest, motivate, and keep people involved. Each month from March to December 2007 a school will be randomly selected from each state from the online registration list and they will win a sports kit for their school containing football, netball and cricket equipment.
1Seven website
The website changes regularly with updated content including easy-to-read, informative articles for parents, teachers and children, and fun activities and games for children.
How can you be a pert of 1Seven?
To be a part of this free program that offers easy-to-access, evidence-based resources, fun activities, and involves leaders in Australian sport, visit www.1Seven.com.au
Schools should register for regular updates by visiting the Schools section of the website here.