Give Ipswich kids active toys this Christmas

DIABETES Queensland is calling on Santa to throw his support behind the QT Swap It, Don’t Stop It campaign and give Ipswich kids active toys this Christmas.

HEALTHY CHRISTMAS: Diabetes Queensland is calling on Santa to make it a healthy festive season by giving kids presents that encourage activity. Picture: Contributed

DIABETES Queensland is calling on Santa Claus to throw his support behind the QT Swap It, Don't Stop It campaign and give Ipswich kids active toys this Christmas.

Diabetes Queensland CEO Michelle Trute said Santa could have a big impact on kids this year by giving them toys that encouraged activity.

"Hopefully Santa can help Queensland kids start swapping this Christmas by filling his sack with active toys like bikes and balls," she said.

With our wonderful climate there are plenty of opportunities for kids to get active and I hope Santa considers leaving gifts like cricket sets and pool toys under the tree this Christmas.

"Is there a better way to spend the Christmas holidays than by playing cricket before cooling off in the pool?"

Ms Trute said there were plenty of options available to Santa and parents. She urged them to think outside the box when choosing presents.

"Bikes, boogie boards and scooters are good options, and so are bats and balls - regardless of the sports," she said.

"Even remote-controlled toys can get kids outside and active.

"With Santa's help we can get more Queensland children to swap the couch for the backyard or local park and in the process set them on the road to a healthier future."

The Health of Queenslanders Report 2012 revealed only 56% of Queensland adults got enough weekly physical activity, while that figure fell to 44% for children.

The Australian Physical Activity Guidelines recommend an hour of moderate to vigorous activity every day for children.

Ms Trute said studies show that weight gain over Christmas could be as much as between 0.8 and 1.5 kilos.

"While the weight gain may be minimal in isolation, the reality is many people never shed that weight. Over the course of a decade it can add up to a significant weight gain," she said.

For more information about Diabetes Queensland and the QT Swap It, Don't Stop It campaign visit diabetesqld.org.au.

Originally published as Give Ipswich kids active toys this Christmas