Talk to children about good eating habits, healthy lifestyles, the benefits of physical activity, the dangers of abusing mobile phones and video games. These are some of the themes of the ‘W la salute’ campaign, presented today in Rome at the Ministry of Health by the ministers Orazio Schillaci (Health) and Giuseppe Valditara (Education). The communication campaign features school children as protagonists and sees the collaboration with the publishing house Giunti editori and Disney Italia. Actually, characters such as Mickey Mouse and Donald Duck will act as guides in learning about good habits at the table and in daily life. “The data we have are worrying: 19% of children between 8 and 9 years old are overweight, and almost 10% are obese.We know that an obese child at 6 years old has more than a 50% chance of becoming an adult obese, with all the health risks that this entails – stated minister Schillaci – The ‘W la salute’ project that we are launching today, in collaboration with Disney Italia and Giunti Editore, aims to be a concrete tool in your hands.We have created educational materials that combine education with fun, using characters loved by children to convey crucial health messages.”
“The school is the privileged place where these messages can take shape and take root – added the minister, addressing the schools hosted in the ministry’s auditorium and connected from other cities - You, together with the families, have the power to shape the habits of the future Italian citizens. every day, through your example and your teaching, you can contribute to creating a more aware and healthier generation. We ask you to be an active part of this project. Use the materials we will provide you, create moments of play and learning dedicated to health, involve the children in activities that promote movement and correct nutrition”.
‘W la Salute’ tackles important issues such as healthy eating, physical activity, personal hygiene and responsible pet ownership in a fun way, with the help of Disney characters. The project starts with a pilot initiative for the 2024-2025 school year. In this first phase, thanks to the widespread presence of Giunti Scuola in primary schools throughout the national territory, thousands of classes will be able to join and receive a paper kit with educational materials and original Disney comic stories. The website www.wlasalute.it will also be published to learn while having fun: an institutional information portal completely dedicated to the little ones. The site will contain unpublished comic stories of the characters Mickey Mouse and Donald Duck, published periodically by Disney artists.
Interview with Health Education Expert on the ‘W la salute’ Campaign
Time.news Editor: today, we have the opportunity to speak with Dr. Livia Rossi, an expert in health education and childhood obesity. Dr. Rossi, could you explain the main objectives of the ‘W la Salute’ campaign recently launched by the Italian ministry of Health and Education?
Dr. Livia Rossi: Absolutely! The ‘W la Salute’ campaign aims to tackle pressing health concerns among children in Italy, notably issues like poor eating habits, lack of physical activity, and the potential risks associated with excessive screen time. With alarming statistics indicating that 19% of children aged 8 to 9 are overweight and nearly 10% are classified as obese, this initiative focuses on fostering a healthier future generation through education and engagement.
Time.news Editor: the campaign uses beloved Disney characters like Mickey Mouse and Donald Duck to convey these messages. How effective do you think character-driven education can be in engaging children?
Dr. Livia Rossi: Using characters like Mickey mouse and Donald Duck is a clever strategy. children have a natural affinity for these characters, making the messages about healthy eating and physical activity more relatable and fun. This approach not only captures their attention but also makes the learning process enjoyable, which is essential in establishing lifelong healthy habits.
Time.news Editor: Minister Orazio Schillaci mentioned that the school habitat is crucial for instilling these values. What role do schools play in promoting healthy lifestyles among children?
Dr. livia Rossi: Schools are a central hub for influencing children’s daily habits. They provide a structured environment where healthy messages can be consistently reinforced. When educators and families collaborate, they can create a unified approach to health education. The ‘W la Salute’ campaign encourages schools to engage actively in this initiative by using the provided educational materials to promote physical activity and good nutrition.
Time.news Editor: The campaign also emphasizes responsible pet ownership and personal hygiene. Why are these topics included in a health campaign targeted at children?
Dr. Livia Rossi: These topics are vital for fostering overall well-being. Responsible pet ownership teaches empathy and care, while personal hygiene is fundamental to preventing illness and promoting health. By incorporating these themes, the campaign offers a holistic view of health that prepares children to make informed lifestyle choices.
Time.news Editor: In terms of practical implementation, what can parents and educators do to support the goals of ‘W la Salute’?
Dr. Livia Rossi: Parents and educators can take several steps. Firstly, they should actively participate in the activities offered through the campaign, such as engaging with the comic stories or educational materials. Creating a routine that includes physical activity and discussions about nutrition can further support children in developing healthy lifestyles. Moreover, it’s essential to lead by example—when children see adults making healthy choices, they are more likely to follow suit.
Time.news Editor: how can anyone interested in learning more about the campaign access additional resources?
Dr. Livia Rossi: There’s a wealth of information available on the official website www.wlasalute.it. It serves as a dedicated portal where families and educators can find educational materials, original comic stories, and tips for promoting health in a fun and engaging manner.It’s a great resource to empower children in their journey towards better health.
Time.news Editor: Thank you, Dr. Rossi, for sharing your insights on the ‘W la Salute’ campaign. It’s an important initiative that promises to positively influence the health of children across Italy.
Dr. Livia Rossi: Thank you for having me! I look forward to seeing the positive impact this campaign will have on future generations.