Over the last months, the researchers from Sciensano (Belgium) conducted an extensive needs assessment in the population of Maasmechelen. Last week, these results were reported back to the stakeholders of the “Health Network” and linked to their findings from the group model building sessions. As a result, several propositions for actions (desired by the community) were proposed on colourful post-its. These will be presented to a larger network of stakeholders next week (12^th of June) and to the larger community over the summer months. The local government has shown great interest in developing one or more actions and linking them to the greater plan for the city. The partnership has proven to be fruitful and promising, working together for a better environment for our children!

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In the context of the European project Health4EUKids and the implementation of Work Package 5 (W.P. 5) “GRUNAU MOVES” the action “Drawing at school” took place on 14/5/2024 and 15/5/2024 with the students and teachers of 3rd, 4th, 5th and 6th Grade of the 29th Primary School of Patras (15/5/2024) and of the 32nd Primary School of Patras (14/5/2024) with the aim of strengthening children’s mental health awareness and physical exercise.

The students painted under the guidance of the painter Mr. Constantinos Artavanis and Ms. Vasiliki Artavanis from the “Morfes Texnis” Workshop and played with all their heart their favorite games in the courtyard of their school.

The present was also given by the chairman of the 6th Health ADM, Giannis Karvelis, where he shared the enthusiasm of the children.

From the Pediatric Clinic of the Universital General Hospital of Patras who supports the project, Dr. Eleni Papachatzi, Pediatrician and Postdoctoral Researcher of the Hygiene Laboratory, Dept. of Medicine, University of Patras.

Finally, the presence and contribution of the volunteers and staff of the 6th Ministry of Health involved in the project was valuable in the implementation of the action.

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In the context of the European project Health4EUKids and the implementation of Work Package 5 (W.P. 5) “GRUNAU MOVES” took place the action “Movement Map” with the students and teachers of 3rd, 4th, 5th and 6^th Grade of the 29th Primary School of Patras and the 32nd Primary School of Patras. The students were informed by the pediatrician Dr. Eleni Papachatzi from the Pediatric Clinic of the Universital General Hospital of Patras about the sports and health structures that exist in their area and for their importance to health.

Children, by scanning the map with their mobile phones, will be able to find information about nearby hospitals, health centers, entertainment areas (playgrounds), swimming pools, sports areas, etc., an important and useful application edited by the IT Department of 6th Health ADM.

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With great success was held the conference “Childhood Obesity in the Spotlight – Good Practices” organized within the framework of the European Joint Action project “Health4EUKids” in collaboration with the 6th Health ADM, the Hygiene Laboratory, the Pediatric Clinic of the University of Patras and the Postgraduate Program “Public Health” of the Department of Medicine of the University of Patras.

Greetings were addressed by the Chairman of the 6th Health ADM, Giannis Karvelis, the Deputy Regional Governor for Health of the Region of Western Greece, Anna Mastorakou, and the Deputy Mayor of Health, Municipality of Patras, Vivian Samouri.

Apostolos Vantarakis, Professor of Hygiene, as the scientific manager of the European project “Health4EUKids” in which 14 countries participate, made a short presentation.

Emmanuela Magripli, Assistant Professor of the Agricultural University of Athens within the framework of the European project “Health4EUKids” presented the good practice “Smart Family” for the fight against childhood obesity which came from Finland and is applied in Patras.

Eleni Papachatzi, Pediatrician at the Pediatric Clinic of the Universital General Hospital of Patras and Postdoctoral Hygiene Laboratory Researcher, Dept. of Medicine, University of Patras within the framework of the European project “Health4EUKids” presented the good practice “Grunau moves” for the fight against childhood obesity which came from Germany and is also implemented with various actions in schools of Patras.

Georgios P. Chroussos, Emeritus Professor of Pediatrics and Endocrinology, Director at the Research University Institute of Maternal, Child Health and Precision Medicine, Head, UNESCO Chair of Adolescent Health and Medicine, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens presented the keynote speech “Childhood Obesity as an Early Manifestation of Modern Life” where he mainly referred to the topic of etiogenesis of childhood obesity in modern life and in modern generations as well as the role of new technologies in this. Mr. Chroussos once again presented in an excellent way and comprehensively the complexity and multifactoriality as well as the extreme importance for Public Health that childhood obesity has.

Theodoros Dasios, Associate Professor, Member of the Pediatric Clinic of the Department of Medicine, of the University of Patras presented the speech “Nutrition and development in the intrauterine environment and the neonatal age” where he developed with epidemiological data the elements and the role of development in the two phases of life and the relationship with obesity.

Irini Kostopoulou, Curator of Paediatrics-Pediatric Endocrinology, Pediatric Clinic of the University of Patras, Universital General Hospital of Patras presented the speech “Principles of prevention and treatment of childhood obesity” where she gave important information on the prevention mechanisms of childhood obesity as it is a modifiable disease through behavior.

Then, in an open round table discussion, Antonis Zambelas, Professor of Agricultural University of Athens, President of EFET, Gavriel Dimitriou, Professor, Director of the Pediatric Clinic, University of Patras, Manolis Souris, Child Psychologist, Region of Western Greece, Anna Mastorakou, Doctor, Deputy Regional Health and Eleni Behliouli, Representative of the Parents’ Association, responded to the main topic “What is the role of the family and the state in dealing with childhood obesity” with excellent positions and answers to key issues of childhood obesity, such as screens and obesity, social networks and obesity, the role of state and region in prevention.

Finally, the audience enjoyed a Dance Performance on the topic of childhood obesity, in collaboration with the Laboratory Stage Act and Speech of the Department of Theater Studies (Responsible: Katia Savrami, Associate Professor) and the DanceArte School, Responsible: Tatiana Loverdou) Music: ” Flashdance” movie, “What a feeling” instrumental, and with lyrics Irene Cara, Composition and solo dancer Theano Vantarakis, Dance teacher and student at the Department of Theater Studies of the University of Patras. Dancers from the school of Tatiana Loverdou: Alexandra Alexopoulou, Lydia Kontaxis, Maya Kozanita, Lydia Makri, Elpida Matoula, Antigoni Panagiotopoulou, Evdokia Chroni, Maria Chroni as well as dinner at the Epicenter.

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The European Joint Action program “Health4EUKids” in collaboration with the 6th Health Administration, the Hygiene Laboratory, the Pediatric Clinic of the University of Patras and the Postgraduate Program “Public Health” of the Department of Medicine of the University of Patras are organizing on Monday 22^nd of April 2024 at 17.00-21.00 at Epikentro (Norman 16 & St. Dionysiou, Patra), the event entitled “Childhood Obesity in the Spotlight – Good Practices”.

Program