VICTORIA- A free local program that gives children and their parents valuable tools and tips to make healthy lifestyle choices and achieve healthy weights is expanding in British Columbia.

Mind, Exercise, Nutrition... Do it! (MEND) is currently registering new participants for January 2014 programming, including eight new provincial sites for a total of 17 locations. Families interested in programs in their area can visit: www.bchealthykids.ca

"To protect the health and well-being of British Columbians, especially when it comes to our children, is this government's priority," said Michelle Stilwell, Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of Health for Healthy Living. "Programs like MEND make it easier for families to make healthier choices, which will help prevent chronic disease before it starts."

With MEND, families and children aged 5 to 13 years, who are above a healthy weight, can attend 10 weeks of group physical activity sessions delivered by recreation staff. Sessions include classes on nutrition.

"Evidence shows that a healthy start in life begins in childhood," said Dr. Tom Warshawski, chair of the Childhood Obesity Foundation. "Supporting families to eat right and get active is a key way to help B.C. children live happy, healthy lives for years to come."

The program is part of the $8 million Childhood Healthy Weights Intervention Initiative announced in April 2013. Funding for MEND and the initiative was provided by the Provincial Health Services Authority to the Childhood Obesity Foundation in support of Healthy Families BC, the government's health prevention strategy that focuses on leadership and health improvement.

"BCRPA is so pleased to be offering the MEND program through municipal recreation departments," said Suzanne Allard Strutt, CEO of the BC Recreation and Parks Association. "We've heard from so many families struggling with this issue and now there is a place for them to turn to, that is free and inclusive and where they can get the support they need from staff and other families in similar circumstances."

The Childhood Obesity Foundation has partnered with the YMCA and British Columbia Recreation and Parks Association to bring the program to local communities in British Columbia. Up to 900 families will benefit from the MEND program by summer 2014.

"We are thrilled to be bringing this internationally recognized program to our province," said Craig Sheather, vice president of operations for the YMCA of Greater Vancouver. "We're proud to say the Langara Family YMCA originally piloted the program successfully, and that families are getting the support they need to reach their full potential."

"This program provides a great opportunity for the whole family to work together to create a healthy lifestyle," said Melissa of Nelson, who has two children aged 10 and 12 participating in MEND. "Our kids are more aware of what they are eating and the activities they are participating in."

A backgrounder follows.

Media Contact:

Ryan Jabs
Media Relations Manager
Ministry of Health
250 952-1887 (media line)

Rebecca Peters
Laura Ballance Media Group
604 637-6649 (direct)
604 762-2098 (mobile)

BACKGROUNDER

Program information and locations for January 2014 MEND sessions

*indicates a new site for January 2014

MEND for children ages 7-13

Abbotsford*
Days and times TBD
badams@abbotsford.ca

Campbell River
Tuesdays 6 p.m. - 8 p.m., Thursdays 6 p.m. - 8 p.m.
mend@strathconard.ca

Chilliwack
Thursdays 6 p.m. - 8 p.m., Saturdays 10:30 a.m. - 12:30 p.m.
mend@vanymca.org

Kamloops*
Thursdays 6 p.m. - 8 p.m., Saturdays 10:30 a.m. - 12:30 p.m.
mdrew@kamloopsy.org

Kelowna
Wednesdays 6 p.m. - 8 p.m., Saturdays 9:30 a.m. - 11:30 a.m.
chobson@ymcaokanagan.ca

Langley
Tuesdays, 6 - 8 p.m., Thursdays 6 - 8 p.m.
kwithers@tol.ca

Nanaimo*
Mondays 5 - 7 p.m., Saturdays 10:30 a.m. - 12:30 p.m.
mend@nanaimo.ca

Nelson
Mondays 5:30 - 7:30 p.m., Wednesdays 5:30 - 7:30 p.m.
cpotkins@rdck.bc.ca

Prince George
Wednesdays 6 p.m. - 8 p.m., Saturdays 10 a.m. - 12 p.m.
cheryl.wallace@nbcy.org
amanda.wamskeeter@nbcy.org

Quesnel*
Wednesdays 6 p.m. -8 p.m., Saturdays 10 a.m. - 12 p.m.
cheryl.wallace@nbcy.org
amanda.wamskeeter@nbcy.org

Saanich
Mondays 6 p.m. - 8 p.m., Saturdays 9:30 a.m. - 11:30 a.m.
janined@uvic.ca

Terrace*
Saturdays 10 a.m. - 12 p.m., Thursdays 6 - 8 p.m.
mend@terrace.ca

Vancouver
Tuesdays and Thursdays 6 p.m. - 8 p.m.
strathcona.mend@gmail.com

Langara Family YMCA
Tuesdays 6 p.m. - 8 p.m., Saturdays 4 p.m. - 6 p.m.
mend@vanymca.org

YMCA of Greater Vancouver-Robert Lee YMCA*
Wednesdays 6 p.m. - 8 p.m., Saturdays 10 a.m. - 12 p.m.
mend@vanymca.org

MEND for children ages 5-7

Campbell River
Mondays 5:30 p.m. - 7:15 p.m.
ssimo@strathconard.ca

Kelowna
Sunday morning, time TBD
chobson@ymcaokanagan.ca

New Westminster*
Sundays 1 p.m.-2:45 p.m.
mend@newwestcity.ca

Prince George
Saturday mornings, time TBD
cheryl.wallace@nbcy.org
amanda.wamskeeter@nbcy.org

Victoria YMCA*
Sundays 1 p.m. - 2:45 p.m.
mend@victoriay.com

Media Contact:

Ryan Jabs
Media Relations Manager
Ministry of Health
250 952-1887 (media line)

Rebecca Peters
Laura Ballance Media Group
604 637-6649 (direct)
604 762-2098 (mobile)