The researchers will implement two actions: a community intervention in a vulnerable neighbourhood and a positive reinforcement of families to practice a healthy lifestyle.

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IdISBa

The European Commission has approved the co-financing of the “Health4EUKids” project, within the framework of the EU4HEALTH programme, in which the Balearic Islands Health Research Institute (IdISBa) will participate with a budget of 138. 138,269.68, through four researchers from the Public Health Research Group of the Balearic Islands (GISPIB) of IdISBa: María Ramos as project leader, together with Elena Cabeza, Catalina Núñez and Trinidad Planas, from the Health Promotion Service of the Directorate General for Public Health and Participation.

The project, whose full title is “Joint Action for the Implementation of best practices and research results on Healthy Lifestyle for the health promotion and Prevention of non-communicable diseases and risk factors” has an overall budget of €3,748,906.57 and will run for three years from its start date in December 2022.

The objective of Health4EUkids is to implement two childhood obesity prevention interventions. These two interventions have proven to be effective, and are considered by the European Commission as good practices to reduce the burden of disease and to improve the lives of EU citizens.

One of the good practices, Grunau moves, designed and implemented in Leipzig (Germany), consists of community intervention in a vulnerable neighbourhood. Through the community networks of the neighbourhood, with the support of the city council, the aim is to offer activities to children and their families to promote an active and healthy lifestyle. Grunau moves will be developed in the Nou Llevant, Soledat Sur and Soledat Nord neighbourhoods of Palma.

The second good practice, Smart Family, currently underway throughout Finland, is based on the positive reinforcement of families to practice a healthy lifestyle. In the Balearic Islands, this programme will be developed through the paediatrics team and the midwife at a health centre and will be aimed in parallel at families who have a son or daughter who is overweight and obese, and at overweight and obese couples who are expecting a baby, as we know that overweight and obesity in parents is associated with overweight and obesity in their children. Smart Family will take place in the health centres of Vila and Es Viver in Eivissa.

“Health4EUkids” is led by Greece and involves 11 other countries, including Spain with 8 entities designated by the Ministry of Health and led by the Fisabio Foundation of the Valencian Community.