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Obesity

Ask

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Today I was hoping we could spend a minute talking about how becoming active can help with your health and wellbeing. Would that be OK with you?

Insight

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Any condition in a young person’s life can affect their physical activity beliefs and behaviours, focusing on this can be a useful way to introduce the topic.
Using a non-judgemental and respectful way to get a conversation about physical activity started can and keeps the individual actively engaged in the conversation and decision making.
If done successfully a 1-minute conversation can plant the seed for successful behaviour change.

Did you know?

Muscle and bone strengthening activities should be throughout the week for strong muscles and bones e.g. swinging on playground equipment, hopping and skipping for children and young people aged 5-18

Being active in childhood builds the foundation for an active adult life.

Children and young people (5-18) should do at least 60 minutes of physical activity spread throughout the day that leaves them slightly out of breath (moderate-to-vigorous intensity).

Real impact

When I dance it makes me smile

Look at people you look up to for inspiration whether that be athletes, musicians, or actors

Don’t forget to tell yourself well done!

Explain

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Many young people find that moving more helps them feel better. What do you make of that?

Insight

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Asking a question such as ‘what do you make of this’ allows some space for people to talk and explore the information rather than asking ‘do you understand?’ which can shut things down. They may already have a good understanding of the benefits of physical activity, so if you’re pressed for time you can ask it like this without patronising them and also offer the opportunity for them to tell you that they know it already.

Did you know?

Muscle and bone strengthening activities should be throughout the week for strong muscles and bones e.g. swinging on playground equipment, hopping and skipping for children and young people aged 5-18

Being active in childhood builds the foundation for an active adult life.

Children and young people (5-18) should do at least 60 minutes of physical activity spread throughout the day that leaves them slightly out of breath (moderate-to-vigorous intensity).

Real impact

When I dance it makes me smile

Look at people you look up to for inspiration whether that be athletes, musicians, or actors

Don’t forget to tell yourself well done!

Invite

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How would you feel about coming back to discuss physical activity in more depth?

“If it’s ok, the next time you come in we could talk more about your thoughts on being active for your health.”

Arranging follow up is important after a positively received 1-minute conversation. Offer a follow up opportunity with you or a colleague appropriate to the environment you work in and resources available.

“In the meantime I could give you some further information to look at if that would be of interest?” 

Signpost the patient information section.

Insight

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Follow up may be with you, a colleague or another service, but try to capitalise on the opportunity provided and book the next step before they leave.
If they decline a follow up appointment offer them a patient information leaflet, thank them for taking the time to talk with you about physical activity and reassure them help is available when they feel ready for change. Follow up with a key question about possibilities they might consider until they decide to return for a follow up visit. It is important to recognise the youth can change without our help as well and the discussion you have with them often plants the seed for later change to develop.

Did you know?

Muscle and bone strengthening activities should be throughout the week for strong muscles and bones e.g. swinging on playground equipment, hopping and skipping for children and young people aged 5-18

Being active in childhood builds the foundation for an active adult life.

Children and young people (5-18) should do at least 60 minutes of physical activity spread throughout the day that leaves them slightly out of breath (moderate-to-vigorous intensity).

Real impact

When I dance it makes me smile

Look at people you look up to for inspiration whether that be athletes, musicians, or actors

Don’t forget to tell yourself well done!