BC Children’s Hospital is promoting its Live 5-2-1-0 healthy living guidelines with a new video that encourages families and communities to change one thing to live healthier.

One of the communities leading the way in B.C. with Live 5-2-1-0 is Kimberley.

Kimberley’s Live 5-2-1-0 initiative has been championed by family physician Dr. Ilona Hale and the East Kootenay Division of Family Practice.

Activities to promote activity and healthy eating have been taking place across the city. For example, kindergarten students at Maryville Elementary School challenged Kimberley’s Mayor and Council to Live 5-2-1-0 every day for eight weeks last fall.

Live 5-2-1-0 has a simple message — five helpings of fruit or vegetables a day; no more than two hours online or in front of the TV; play actively for one hour a day; and don’t drink any sugar-sweetened juices or sodas.

““Live 5-2-1-0 is something we all need to adopt, not just in our daily lives, but also as leaders in our community where we can influence community environments and local policy so that there are more opportunities for kids to choose healthy,” said Nigel Kitto, Primary Health RN and Councillor, City of Kimberley, who has been supporting the Live 5-2-1-0 initiative in Kimberley.

“An unhealthy weight is the single most important risk factor for developing type 2 diabetes, a disease that was unheard of in children before the 1980’s,” said Dr. Shazhan Amed, pediatric endocrinologist at BC Children’s Hospital and the Founder and Lead of Live 5-2-1-0.

“The goal of the Live 5-2-1-0 initiative is to bring together community leaders who help shape the environments in which children live, learn and play.

“It’s not just about sharing a message, it’s about involving the whole community – from parents and teachers to local governments, parks and recreation, health professionals and even private businesses – so the healthy choice is the easy choice for kids.”