A HEALTHY LIFESTYLE IS THE BEST THING WE CAN GIVE OUR CHILDREN

Education Program on Eating Habits

A country with a healthy population is a more productive country and with more
opportunities to grow and develop.
and Physical Activity for Elementary Schools
You too can be part of this program!

Your school can participate!

Your company can help!

We invite NGOs, corporations and government

institutions to join this collaborative initiative and
pledge to work for a healthier Mexico.

Juego y comida dan salud a tu vida

was eveloped by:

Ogali S.C. Nutrition consultancy

Design of the educational program
e x i c a n
For M
for
Project Concern International A.C.

n a n d
childre
Social organization, leading in public health

Project Concern International Mexico A.C. 2010

Responsible for the execution of the program

o p m e n t
Wall-Mart Foundation
e d e v el
Bonafont
th y l e !
Support and sponsoring
l if e s t
l t h y
Information and forecasts by
a h e a
Endorsed by the Mexican Secretary of Education.
of
To know more…
Contact us:
www.juegoycomida.mx
contacto@juegoycomida.mx
TO PROMOTE A HEALTHY LIFESTYLE - A CHALLENGE FOR MEXICO IN THE 21st CENTURY FOOD AND PLAY TO MAKE YOUR LIFE HEALTHY

In the last 30 years, the health of Mexicans has deteriorated as the result of a sedentary
lifestyle and bad eating habits, amongst other things. The consumption of fruits and
vegetables has decreased about 30%. It is estimated that 80% of the population does not
exercise enough and that Mexicans do not have the habit of drinking water.
These behaviors contribute to the fact that today Mexico is the country with the highest
number of obese children in the world, and comes only in second place for adult obesity. This
problem is accentuated in urban areas and the data is worrying.
It’s an educational program in eating habits and physical activity aimed at elementary schools
to promote a healthy lifestyle and encourage children and their families to take care of
themselves and to create a healthy environment around them.
AN EDUCATIONAL PROGRAM THAT:
1. Has as its main purpose to increase children's consumption of vegetables, fruits and
water as well as their practice of physical activity.

 4.5 million children between 5 and 11 2. Stimulates and drives the development of alliances between the public, corporate and
years of age social sectors to achieve its goals
 44.5 million adults and
 More than 6 million teenagers are 3. Started in 2006 with the support of the Wal-Mart Foundation as its first partner and
overweight or obese (ENSANUT-2006) sponsor.

Excess weight and obesity are health risk 4. Has developed a model and special materials for the six years of elementary school.
factors. There are 8 million Mexicans with
diabetes and more than 17 million with 5. Teachers and children work together during the entire school year focusing in four areas:
hypertension and cardiovascular diseases. self-care, correct diet, and practice of physical and psychosocial activities.
(SS 2009)
6. Includes activities to impact and transcend the school environment and to involve
THE ECONOMIC AND SOCIAL COST IS HIGH: children’s parents.

The cost of treating excess weight and obesity in 2009 was of $42 thousand million pesos 7.
(approximately $3,300 million USD). It is estimated that for the year 2015 the cost will be of
$100 thousand million pesos ($7,700 million USD). During this period, the cost per capita will
increase from $391 to $890 pesos.
8.
WILL WE HAVE THE
CAPABILITIES AS A COUNTRY
TO REVERSE THIS TREND?
Currently counts with the participation of 101 schools, 35,000 children, 1,500 teachers
and more than 10,000 families in the states of Sinaloa, Coahuila, Durango, Jalisco, Mexico
City, State of Mexico, Veracruz and Tabasco.
Is spurring a change in the
knowledge, attitudes and
behavior of children and teachers.
This effort must be sustained so
that 60% of the children who
participate in the program
“Food and Play” can achieve the
goals of the program as part
of a healthier lifestyle by the
year 2015.