Ημερίδα «Μεγαλώνοντας Υγιή Παιδιά: Η Πρόκληση της Παιδικής Παχυσαρκίας» από την 6^η ΥΠΕ σε συνεργασία με το Πανεπιστήμιο Πατρών

Με ιδιαίτερη επιτυχία πραγματοποιήθηκε τη Δευτέρα 16 Μαρτίου 2026, στο Αρχαιολογικό Μουσείο Πατρών, η εκδήλωση με τίτλο «Μεγαλώνοντας Υγιή Παιδιά: Η Πρόκληση της Παιδικής Παχυσαρκίας», που διοργάνωσε η 6η Υγειονομική Περιφέρεια (6^η ΥΠΕ) σε συνεργασία με το Εργαστήριο Υγιεινής, Επιδημιολογίας και Ποιότητας Ζωής του Τμήματος Ιατρικής του Πανεπιστημίου Πατρών, στο πλαίσιο του ευρωπαϊκού προγράμματος Health4EUkids.

Η εκδήλωση υπό το συντονισμό του δημοσιογράφου Μιχάλη Βασιλάκη και προεδρείο τον Δρ. Απόστολο Βανταράκη, Καθηγητή Υγιεινής, του Πανεπιστημίου Πατρών και την κα. Ειρήνη Κωστοπούλου, Επ. Καθηγήτρια Υγείας παιδιού ανέδειξε τη σημασία της πρόληψης και της ολιστικής προσέγγισης στην αντιμετώπιση της παιδικής παχυσαρκίας, ενός από τα σημαντικότερα ζητήματα δημόσιας υγείας της εποχής μας. Διακεκριμένοι επιστήμονες και επαγγελματίες υγείας παρουσίασαν σύγχρονα δεδομένα, καλές πρακτικές και καινοτόμες παρεμβάσεις που στοχεύουν στη βελτίωση της υγείας των παιδιών και των οικογενειών τους.

Ο διοικητής της 6ης ΥΠΕ, Ηλίας Θεοδωρόπουλος τόνισε ότι η 6^η ΥΠΕ συνεχίζει με συνέπεια να υλοποιεί πρωτοβουλίες που προάγουν τη δημόσια υγεία και ενισχύουν την ποιότητα ζωής των πολιτών, με ιδιαίτερη έμφαση στην υγεία των παιδιών.

Κατά τη διάρκεια της ημερίδας αναπτύχθηκαν θεματικές που αφορούσαν, μεταξύ άλλων, τη σχέση της δυτικής ζωής και της παιδικής παχυσαρκίας από τον κο. Γεώργιο Χρούσο, Ακαδημαϊκό-Ομότιμο Καθηγητή Παιδιατρικής και Ενδοκρινολογίας, Διευθυντή, Ερευνητικό Πανεπιστημιακό Ινστιτούτο Υγείας Μητέρας, Παιδιού, και Ιατρικής Ακριβείας, Επικεφαλή, Έδρα UNESCO Εφηβικής Υγείας και Ιατρικής, Εθνικό και Καποδιστριακό Πανεπιστήμιο Αθηνών, τη σχέση του σύγχρονου τρόπου ζωής με την παιδική παχυσαρκία, την ενδυνάμωση των οικογενειών για ένα υγιές μέλλον μέσω του ευρωπαϊκού προγράμματος Health4EUkids και της προσέγγισης “Smart Family” από την κα. Εμμανουέλα Μαγριπλή, Αναπλ. Καθηγήτρια ΓΠΑ, καθώς και τον ρόλο της νευροψυχολογίας και των ψηφιακών παρεμβάσεων από την Δρ. Ευγενία Γκιντώνη, Ψυχολόγο, MSc, M.Ed, Ph.D. Clin. Neuropsychology, ΠΓΝΠ.

Ιδιαίτερο ενδιαφέρον προσέλκυσε η παρουσίαση εικονογραφημένων βιβλίων για την παιδική παχυσαρκία από την Δρ. Ελένη Παπαχατζή, Παιδίατρο, ΠΓΝΠ, τα οποία έχουν επιμεληθεί η 6η ΥΠΕ και το Πανεπιστήμιο Πατρών, με στόχο την ευαισθητοποίηση παιδιών και γονέων μέσα από ένα φιλικό και κατανοητό μέσο και τα οποία διατίθενται δωρεάν στην ιστοσελίδα της 6^ης ΥΠΕ. Τυπωμένα βιβλία θα διατεθούν σε Τ.ΟΜ.Υ. και σχολεία της 6^ης Υγειονομικής Περιφέρειας.

Η ενεργή συμμετοχή του κοινού και ο γόνιμος διάλογος που αναπτύχθηκε επιβεβαίωσαν την ανάγκη για συνέχιση αντίστοιχων δράσεων ενημέρωσης και πρόληψης και τον προβληματισμό που υπάρχει στο θέμα της παιδικής παχυσαρκίας.

Μεγαλώνοντας Υγιή Παιδιά: Η Πρόκληση της Παιδικής Παχυσαρκίας

Έχουμε την τιμή και τη χαρά να σας προσκαλέσουμε στην ημερίδα
«Μεγαλώνοντας Υγιή Παιδιά: Η Πρόκληση της Παιδικής Παχυσαρκίας».
Η εκδήλωση διοργανώνεται από την 6η Υγειονομική Περιφέρεια (Υ.ΠΕ) και το Εργαστήριο Υγιεινής, Επιδημιολογίας & Ποιότητας Ζωής του Τμήματος Ιατρικής του Πανεπιστημίου Πατρών.

Στο πλαίσιο της ημερίδας θα παρουσιαστούν εικονογραφημένα βιβλία για την παιδική παχυσαρκία, τα οποία έχουν επιμεληθεί η 6η Υ.ΠΕ. και το Πανεπιστήμιο Πατρών, με στόχο την ενημέρωση και ευαισθητοποίηση παιδιών και οικογενειών.

Αρχαιολογικό Μουσείο Πατρών
Δευτέρα 16 Μαρτίου 2026
17:00 – 20:00
Σας περιμένουμε να συζητήσουμε μαζί μια από τις σημαντικότερες προκλήσεις για την υγεία των παιδιών σήμερα.

Some projects are truly worth celebrating and Health4EUKids concluded with an excellent finale in Athens!

The final event, held on November 24, opened a lively dialogue with the public on the global threat of childhood obesity. An issue that touches the whole of Europe and Greece in particular. Childhood obesity is not just a medical problem. It is a multifaceted issue linked to: nutrition • environment • education • inequalities • genetic & social factors.

The discussions focused on: data for Greece & Europe factors leading to obesity important role of breastfeeding equality in prevention role of schools & primary care food policies, regulation & environments with scientific responsible Apostolos Vantarakis and the participation of prominent scientists and organizations, including: E. Magriplis (Agricultural University of Athens), E. Papachatzis (University of Patras), as well as representatives from WHO, UNICEF and the Ministry of Health. Why it matters: The event paved the way for healthier environments, stronger policies and better prevention so that no child is left behind.

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#HaDEA 

The “Health4EUkids” joint action of the EU4Health European project co-funded by European Union and HaDEA is included in the field of health promotion and prevention of non-communicable diseases, indicating best practices and specific risk factors from research results on childhood obesity that have already been developed from previous research actions, namely Grünau Moves (Germany) and Smart Family (Finland).

At the kick out meeting of the European project “Health4EUkids” that took place on 10^th and 11^th November 2025 in Helsinki (Finland), the Scientific responsible of the project Dr. Apostolos Vantarakis welcomed the collaborated partners (Belgium, Croatia, Finland, Greece, Hungary, Italy, Lithuania, Malta, Poland, Portugal, Slovenia, Spain). Also, Maria Vasile, the project’s EU officer referred to the effort that it has been done from all partners during the last three years of the project in order to implement the two best practices and the next steps.

         On the first day of the meeting Session 1: WP1 Project overview chaired by Apostolos Vantarakis (UPAT, Greece) and George Karydas (6th Health ADM, Greece) were presented:

– WP1: Coordination outcomes by Kyriaki Premtou (6th Health ADM, Greece) referring to the deliverables and milestones of the project, the meetings and the financial absorption,

– WP2: Dissemination outcomes by George Karydas (6th Health ADM, Greece) referring to the KPI’s that were achieved the 3rd year of the project, the summer school and the upcoming articles. Then each partner presented their dissemination activities the last year.

– WP3: Evaluation outcomes by Zsofia Kimmel (NNGYK, Hungary) referring to the philosophy and the level of evaluation, followed by results from the self-filled questionnaire, focus group interview, deliverables and activities.

         The meeting continued with Session 2: Results (Part I) chaired by Angela Giusti and Chiara Cattaneo (ISS, Italy) where were presented:

– WP5: Grunau Moves by Rosana Peiro Pérez and Marta Garcia (DGSP- FISABIO, Spain) referring to the community engagement analysis of the core group and health sector of pilot’s implementation presented by Jaime Jimenez Pernett (EASP, Spain) and the local government working group discussion.

– WP6: Smart Family by Heli Kuusipalo, Päivi Mäki, Nella Savolainen, Emma Koivurinta (THL, Finland) where were presented from each country the best practice Smart Family impact.

– WP4: Transferability and Sustainability outcomes by Angela Giusti, Chiara Cattaneo, Vittorio Palermo and Paola Scardetta (ISS, Italy) referring to the Delphi study, the 10 key sustainability criteria, the sustainability policy recommendations and a policy brief.

The first day ended with the final considerations by Apostolos Vantarakis (UPAT, Greece).

The second day of the meeting started with the Steering Committee where decisions about important issues regarding the project were discussed. Afterwards, took place the Session 3: Results (Part II) chaired by Rosana Peiro Pérez (Fisabio, Spain) and Heli Kuusipalo (THL, Finland) where were presented:

– WP5: Key Achievements and Results of WP5 by Rosana Peiro Pérez and Marta Garcia (FISABIO, Spain) referring to the D5.3 Pre-post indicators report which evaluates the best practice Grunau Moves including the evaluation framework overview, the results from the pilots evaluation (process, outcomes) and the template for the pilot implementation final report.

– WP6: Key Achievements and Results of WP6 by Heli Kuusipalo, Päivi Mäki, Nella Savolainen, Emma Koivurinta (THL, Finland) and Taina Sainio, Kati Kuisma (FHA, Finland) referring to the achievements and results of implementing the Finnish Smart Family best practice in 6 European countries including the elements of effective lifestyle counselling, implementation strategy, target groups, key indicators, tools, material and policy dialogues.

– WP5 & WP6: Beyond the JA – Ensuring Sustainability and Impact referring to the sustainability of the implemented pilots where WP4 with Angela Giusti, Chiara Cattaneo, Vittorio Palermo και Paola Scardetta (ISS, Italy) presented on how we see sustainability beyond Health4EUkids project and future perspectives and key messages.

         Finally, the Final remarks-Conclusions presented by Apostolos Vantarakis (UPAT, Greece).

#HaDEA 

As part of the completion of the Health4EUKids project, the University of Patras team, in collaboration with the 6th Health Administration, presented the results of the implementation of the project at the European Public Health conference in Helsinki.

The conference involved an open discussion in collaboration with the other European countries where the project is implemented. The project was conducted under the supervision of the coordinator Professor A. Vantarakis (Laboratory of Hygiene, Medical School of the University of Patras) and best practices were examined, Grunau Moves and Smart Family, to address childhood obesity, adapted to the needs of each region.

More specifically, the working groups discussed the short-term results while setting goals for the sustainability of the project after its completion. The implementation of the Grunau Moves methodology (coordinated by Spain) and the Smart Family (coordinated by Finland) had encouraging results in all the countries of their implementation through which future trans-European cooperation was ensured aiming at the adoption by students of a healthy lifestyle. Assoc. Prof. E. Magriplis presented the approaches, defined by the above project, for the prevention of childhood obesity as well as the experience from the two years of implementation of the project. Through new approaches aimed at children and families (participatory approach), training of health professionals and strengthening family ties with primary health highlighted the elements that differentiated the Health4EUkids project and integrated it into the specific characteristics of each country. In addition, E. Papachatzi, Pediatrician (Universital General Hospital of Patras) and Postdoctoral Researcher of the Laboratory, presented the research work of the Greek team, highlighting correlations of the impact of childhood overweight and obesity with the built environment of urban areas. The type of sports facilities and not only the number seem to have a positive effect on the reduction of the number of children living with overweight and obesity in Greece. The above is of particular interest in the effort to modify the environment (school, neighborhood, etc.) – and not only habits – for the implementation of the above objectives.

Greece as the coordinating country of the project (University of Patras and 6th Health Administration), under the supervision and guidance of the Scientific Responsible Professor A. Vantarakis, ensured the active participation and cooperation of the participating countries, an interdisciplinary team that will continue to act to combat childhood obesity at national and European level.

#HaDEA 

Scientific Session: Best practices implemented to European countries to combat childhood obesity  

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#HaDEA 

A Wonderful Family Day in Collaboration with the Immaculate Conception Bandclub, Ħamrun

• – The event kicked off with Mass and the blessing of school bags
• – Followed by music, dance and fun activities like face painting
• – Our HPDP team spoke with many parents about preparing healthy lunches for children and reducing sugar intake
• – They also encouraged smokers to apply for our smoking cessation services

Together we are building healthier!

This initiative is part of the Health4EU|Kids project to combat childhood obesity across Europe.

#HaDEA 

The Health4EUKids project, a three-year EU initiative addressing childhood obesity in low socio-economic communities, was presented to Malta’s Healthy Lifestyle Advisory Council on 20^th August 2025.

The Advisory Council, established under the Healthy Lifestyle Promotion and Care of Non-Communicable Diseases Act (Act III of 2016), meets monthly to coordinate national action on healthier living. The legislation created an inter-ministerial approach to encourage physical activity and balanced diets across all ages, with the aim of reducing non-communicable diseases.

At the meeting, Ms Sharon Vella presented the steps implemented in the project and Council members, including Malta’s Superintendent of Public Health Professor Charmaine Gauci, discussed the outcomes of the project and gave feedback on strategies to ensure its long-term sustainability.

Project highlights

Over the past three years, Health4EUKids has delivered a wide range of community-based activities, including:

• – Family education programmes on nutrition and physical activity, including hands-on cooking sessions.
• – School-based summer initiatives to promote healthy eating and active lifestyles among primary school children.
• – Supermarket nutrition campaigns where experts advised shoppers on choosing foods lower in fat, sugar, and salt.

Project researcher Ms Sharon Vella outlined these achievements and invited Council members to contribute ideas, partnerships, and policy support to extend the project’s positive impact beyond its original scope.

“The intensive work carried out through this project must be sustained, with dedicated funding to engage professionals who can build on these results,” said Professor Charmaine Gauci, Superintendent of Public Health. “With the right support, we can make a real difference. Our goal now is to ensure these results endure and benefit future generations.”

The Health4EUKids project aligns with Malta’s national strategy to combat childhood obesity and promote healthier lifestyles, while supporting the EU’s broader commitment to reducing health inequalities.

#HaDEA 

The “Health4EUkids” joint action of the EU4Health European project co-funded by European Union and HaDEA is included in the field of health promotion and prevention of non-communicable diseases, indicating best practices and specific risk factors from research results on childhood obesity that have already been developed from previous research actions, namely Grünau Moves (Germany) and Smart Family (Finland).

At the 3rd WP4 & WP5 & WP6 in person meeting of the European project “Health4EUkids” that took place on 28^th and 29^th August 2025 in Patras (Greece), George Karydas (6th Health ADM, Greece), Chiara Cattaneo and Angela Giusti (ISS, Italy) welcomed the collaborated partners (Belgium, Croatia, Finland, Greece, Hungary, Italy, Lithuania, Malta, Poland, Portugal, Slovenia, Spain).

The WP4 Annual Meeting, coordinated by WP Leaders Chiara Cattaneo and Angela Giusti from ISS, Italy, in collaboration with WP5 and WP6, pursued two main objectives. The first objective was to take stock, at the conclusion of the project, of the sustainability of the individual and community health promotion approach developed within the Joint Action, aimed at preventing childhood obesity and strengthening parental and community competences. The meeting also provided an opportunity to share the main lessons learned over the past three years, which can support the consolidation of results and foster the scaling up and sustainability of good practices and of the salutogenic vision. In line with the overall participatory approach of the Joint Action, a World Café was organised, enabling a co-construction of future directions.

The second objective was to identify the key messages to be reported to the European Commission, in a perspective of refeeding the system, together with the necessary requests to ensure the sustainability of actions. A further participatory methodology, based on listening and collective reflection, was used to this end.

The results of the work coordinated by WP4 will be disseminated through the project’s channels and shared with relevant stakeholders. Among the key recommendations, WP4 calls on the European Commission to continue and support the implementation of best practices developed in this and other Joint Actions, through a follow-up system that guarantees continuity and continuous improvement, building on the shared experience of the many countries involved.

The second day of the meeting continued in parallel sessions with the Presentation of the WP5 session. Objectives to achieve by Marta Garcia and Rosana Peiro Pérez (FISABIO/DGSP-CV, Spain), where presented the Evaluation. How we are. The main topics to evaluate and Discussion with pilots, followed by a wrap up. Next, presented the SWOT Analysis. What we know what we would like to achieve, followed by Working groups about SWOT analysis and a wrap up. On WP6: Smart Family session leaded by Heli Kuusipalo, Päivi Mäki, Nella Savolainen, Emma Koivurinta, Kati Kuisma, Taina Sainio (THL, Finland) presented the Objectives to achieve: Evaluation to ensure sustainability of the smart modules adopted by MS´s (Task 6.3) followed by Member states presenting sustainability and transferability regarding the Policy dialogue leading to the future steps of Smart family implementation. Also, a discussion about the tasks to be done for the final report which is due to end of November 2025 took place, followed by a discussion for the scientific article.

Finally, the Final remarks-Next steps presented by Apostolos Vantarakis (UPAT, Greece) and the Steering Committee took place where decisions about important issues regarding the project were discussed.

#HaDEA