The Pharmaceutical Journal
Vol 269 No 7208 p127
27 July 2002

This article
Reprint
Photocopy

News summary

Pharmacist runs schools' sports day

Bobby Mehta, pharmacy manager at H. A. McParland's Slough branch, recently organised a healthy heart sports day attended by over 230 local year-six pupils from five schools in Slough, Berkshire.

Pharmacists and pharmacy staff from the H. A. McPartland group, which has 18 pharmacies in Berkshire, offered advice on healthy eating and adopting healthy lifestyles. The event was sponsored by Slough Primary Care Trust, GlaxoSmithKline and Slough Community Leisure. Representatives from BUPA also took part in the day.

Mr Mehta said: "I decided to organise the event after reading the prevalence of obesity among our schoolchildren. Events such as the healthy hearts sports day are an ideal way of communicating the message to children because they focus on the fun and enjoyable aspects of leading a healthy lifestyle. In addition, such events highlight the valuable role that can be played by pharmacists and pharmacy staff in the local community."

The event was held at the Thames Valley athletics centre. Children took part in events including five-a-side football, obstacle races, table tennis and hockey dribbling.