Menu
13/09/2012
Cancer-Fighting Primary School Programme Gets Education Minister's Backing
We all know that sunburn, smoking and obesity are risk factors for cancer.
So now, parents will be glad to hear that a leading cancer charity has launched an education package to encourage healthy lifestyles in children as young as three and four.
Cancer Focus Northern Ireland, the new name for the Ulster Cancer Foundation, has launched a free Schools Health Education Package in a bid to reduce Northern Ireland's children's future risk of cancer and other serious health conditions.
Key messages in the package will cover a range of relevant topics including healthy food choices, the importance of regular exercise, covering up in the sun to prevent skin damage and highlighting the harmful effects of smoking while developing the skills necessary to refuse that crucial first cigarette, the charity said.
Clare Smith of Cancer Focus said the package, which involves visits, quizzes, practical experiments and a major competition, would encourage "positive health behaviours".
She said: "Developing children's attitudes at a young age when they are most receptive towards a variety of healthy foods, combined with regular exercise through active play, can help improve their concentration and sleeping patterns as well as reduce their future risk of cancer."
Education Minister John O'Dowd endorsed the programme, saying: "Exercise coupled with a healthy, balanced diet aids children's ability to focus in class, leading to improved educational outcomes and long term life chances."
Schools are invited to sign up for the whole package or any one element of the Programme by calling 028 9068 0736 or e-mailing claresmith@cancerfocusni.org.
Photograph: Oliver Smith, P3, Niamh McDaid, Cancer Focus, Lauren Herley, P7, and Zia Cromie, P5, at the launch of the Cancer Focus Northern Ireland free Schools Health Education Package.
(NE)
So now, parents will be glad to hear that a leading cancer charity has launched an education package to encourage healthy lifestyles in children as young as three and four.
Cancer Focus Northern Ireland, the new name for the Ulster Cancer Foundation, has launched a free Schools Health Education Package in a bid to reduce Northern Ireland's children's future risk of cancer and other serious health conditions.
Key messages in the package will cover a range of relevant topics including healthy food choices, the importance of regular exercise, covering up in the sun to prevent skin damage and highlighting the harmful effects of smoking while developing the skills necessary to refuse that crucial first cigarette, the charity said.
Clare Smith of Cancer Focus said the package, which involves visits, quizzes, practical experiments and a major competition, would encourage "positive health behaviours".
She said: "Developing children's attitudes at a young age when they are most receptive towards a variety of healthy foods, combined with regular exercise through active play, can help improve their concentration and sleeping patterns as well as reduce their future risk of cancer."
Education Minister John O'Dowd endorsed the programme, saying: "Exercise coupled with a healthy, balanced diet aids children's ability to focus in class, leading to improved educational outcomes and long term life chances."
Schools are invited to sign up for the whole package or any one element of the Programme by calling 028 9068 0736 or e-mailing claresmith@cancerfocusni.org.
Photograph: Oliver Smith, P3, Niamh McDaid, Cancer Focus, Lauren Herley, P7, and Zia Cromie, P5, at the launch of the Cancer Focus Northern Ireland free Schools Health Education Package.
(NE)
Related Northern Ireland News Stories
Click here for the latest headlines.
22 May 2019
NI Cancer Patients May Rise By 60%
The number of new cancer patients in Northern Ireland could rocket by over 60% before 2035 if rigorous action is not taken now, Cancer Focus Northern Ireland has warned.
NI Cancer Patients May Rise By 60%
The number of new cancer patients in Northern Ireland could rocket by over 60% before 2035 if rigorous action is not taken now, Cancer Focus Northern Ireland has warned.
09 September 2011
Yellowhammer Portraits Are Framing Success
Two local cancer charities, the Ulster Cancer Foundation (UCF) and Friends of the Cancer Centre, have announced a unique fundraising initiative - the opportunity to buy a highly collectable piece of art by acclaimed Irish artist, Nicola Russell, while making a significant contribution to the work of both charities.
Yellowhammer Portraits Are Framing Success
Two local cancer charities, the Ulster Cancer Foundation (UCF) and Friends of the Cancer Centre, have announced a unique fundraising initiative - the opportunity to buy a highly collectable piece of art by acclaimed Irish artist, Nicola Russell, while making a significant contribution to the work of both charities.
07 November 2008
UCF Targets Cancer Awareness
The signs and symptoms of Northern Ireland's biggest cancer killer are being highlighted by a local charity this week with the Ulster Cancer Foundation (UCF) using national 'Lung Cancer Awareness Month' as a springboard to target local people.
UCF Targets Cancer Awareness
The signs and symptoms of Northern Ireland's biggest cancer killer are being highlighted by a local charity this week with the Ulster Cancer Foundation (UCF) using national 'Lung Cancer Awareness Month' as a springboard to target local people.
14 June 2023
Five New Cancer Support Centres To Be Established Across NI
Five new cancer support centres are to be established across Northern Ireland, Cancer Focus has announced as part of a five-year plan aligned with the Northern Ireland Cancer Strategy.
Five New Cancer Support Centres To Be Established Across NI
Five new cancer support centres are to be established across Northern Ireland, Cancer Focus has announced as part of a five-year plan aligned with the Northern Ireland Cancer Strategy.
27 August 2021
14 Cancer Charities Receive Grant Funding Totalling £7.95m
Fourteen cancer charities have received grant funding totalling £7.95 million, Health Minister Robin Swann has announced. The payments have been made through the Cancer Charities Support Fund, part of a £24m package of funding made available in response to the COVID-19 pandemic to support carers, cancer charities and mental health organisations.
14 Cancer Charities Receive Grant Funding Totalling £7.95m
Fourteen cancer charities have received grant funding totalling £7.95 million, Health Minister Robin Swann has announced. The payments have been made through the Cancer Charities Support Fund, part of a £24m package of funding made available in response to the COVID-19 pandemic to support carers, cancer charities and mental health organisations.
-
Northern Ireland WeatherToday:A showery start with outbreaks most frequent north of Lough Neagh and through the morning, before dwindling during the afternoon as the northwest breezes ease and brighter spells of weak sunshine prosper. Maximum temperature 8 °C.Tonight:A dry night, save for a few light showers around the coasts, with prolonged clear spells and light winds bringing a frosty dawn for many in central and southern parts. Minimum temperature -3 °C.
