[A development from the 'Pioneers for Better Health' programme]

Healthy Heroes stems from a pilot project implemented by the Rotary Club of Wellington North in 2004 that has now been adopted by a number of other Rotary Clubs in Districts 9940 , 9970 and 9930. This entails approaching and working with schools to introduce the programme and cover the modest cost of programme stationery.

Statistics show that 31 % of New Zealand children are overweight or obese, and this is carried through to adulthood. As a result obesity related illnesses are on the increase, and health costs are mounting.

Healthy Heroes asks children in the eight to twelve year old age group to meet five daily challenges on five days out of seven each week for 9 weeks, or about one school terms The challenges relate to physical activity, healthy eating, adequate sleep, mind stretching and helping others. The aim is to build healthy habits that will last a lifetime.

The programme is uniquely holistic as it integrates the main elements of the school’s Health Curriculum into a single programme that is easily understood and applied and it is implemented in the home where it is monitored by caregivers. The schools administer the programme, keeping a register of participants and their performance each week The programmes website is at www.healthyheroes.org.nz

Te Puna Whaiora (Children’s Health Camps) has elected to use the programme, and to provide significant funding and administrative support. The Pioneer for Better Health Charitable Trust provides Rotary governance.