Already operating in a number of Riverina towns, the Mind, Exercise, Nutrition ... Do it! (MEND) program will be open to seven- to 13-year-olds and their families.

Funded by Greater Southern Area Health Service (GSAHS), the Riverina Division of General Practice and Primary Health (RDGPPH) are offering free lifestyle courses for overweight children aged to focus on keeping kids health and happy.

Australian Bureau of Statistics figures show that in 2007/2008 one quarter of all Australian children aged five to 17 years were overweight orobese.

RDGPPH chief executive officer Nancye Piercy said the program could help families make a healthy lifestyle change to ensure their children don’t face long-term health problems associated with being overweight.

“MEND offers a friendly, relaxed atmosphere to encourage children to give new things a go and show parents how they can be supportive and involve the whole family in making healthier choices and following an active lifestyle,” she said.

“Children become healthier and fitter while their self-esteem and confidence increase greatly.”

The MEND course offers a way to battle the bulge by teaching families to adopt a healthier lifestyle, learning to prepare and eat healthy food, reading food labels and making exercise a fun activity.

With proven results across the state, the program does not focus on weight loss.

Rather, it uses an interactive approach to teaching families weight-management skills.

Starting in term three, it will run over 10 weeks meeting twice a week.

The program will be introduced to Junee at a Healthy Family Fun Day on Thursday, June 24 from 3.30pm to 5pm at the Junee Junction Recreation and Aquatic Centre.

There will be games for children, a healthy afternoon tea and an information session about the MEND program including how to get involved.