SPRIGHTS HAVE HEALTHY HEARTS

RESEARCH PROJECT FUNDED BY HEART RESEARCH UK

Working through research to improve heart health was a very exciting opportunity for Sprights Scotland and the two schools involved Dalry Primary School and Crew Road Nursery School.

The research project has been funded by Heart Research UK. Sprights Scotland successfully secured the funding for the research against stiff competition throughout the UK. The funding means the research can take place in the schools over one year involving 30 children, 30 parents and 8 members of staff in the schools.

The goal of the project was to research and improve activity levels and dietary habits of the children, parents and teachers. Involving training teachers to deliver physical education lessons to the 3 - 5 year old children. Parents were invited to the lessons. Equipment and lesson manuals were provided. Children were helped by staff and Sprights to keep very simple "food and action diaries". Parents were taken through the "food fact files" with cookery workshops, demonstrations of simply cooked food which is healthy and comes in on budget with ongoing practical support and advice available over the year long research.

The ambition of the research was that at conclusion as many as possible involved in the research have dramatically improved their lifestyle and therefore, their heart health. The findings of the research will demonstrate whether with support Scottish families can change their lifestyle radically resulting in better heart health.   The Scotsman Newspaper published a news article with the findings of the research. Email with any enquiries.