APPENDIX 43
Letter from the Chief Executive, Wakefield
West OCT to the Chairman of the Committee (OB 81)
Thank you for your letter dated 9 May 2003 regarding
the meeting to promote additional sporting activities within schools.
The key points I made at the meeting included:
— the need to bring about a cultural
shift within Wakefield that encourages people to take greater
responsibility for their own health and well being thus reducing
the current high levels of reliance on hospitals and other health
services;
— the need to recognise that additional
sporting activities within a school setting would be suitable
for a proportion of individuals, but a wider perspective on exercise
may need to be taken to encourage those who do not wish to participate
in traditional school sports;
— the need to address other factors
that impact on the health and obesity of children including diet
and the significant financial clout of the food lobby in promoting
unhealthy foodstuffs that are particularly attractive to children.
In summary, I confirm PCT's willingness to support
initiatives of this type alongside the wide range of initiatives
taking place under the "Healthy Schools" banner.
19 May 2003
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