Students tread the path to better health

Western Sydney Local Health District (WSLHD) has supported Mount Druitt Public School students to launch two walking paths they helped create.

The “active” paths begin at RAAF Memorial Park on Belmore Avenue and William Mason Reserve on Methven Street.

The footpaths have messages like “stop, look, listen and think” before crossing the road, or that they are a “hop, skip and jump away” from school.

Some of the stickers, provided by Bicycle Network, also show the distance to school.

The active paths are one of several strategies to get more students walking to school.

Other strategies include consultations with parents around active travel, planning safe routes to school and a student poster competition.

WSLHD Population Health acting director Christine Newman says she fully supports these strategies in keeping children safe and healthy.

“Active paths make the journey to school as direct, popular and fun as possible, making it easy for students and parents to get active on their way to school,” Ms Newman said.

“Walking or riding to school has lots of benefits including avoiding traffic jams and connecting with friends along the way.”

Mount Druitt Public School principal Dianne Uthmeyer said studies have shown that those who get active on the way to school arrive more alert and ready to learn.

“They are colourful and provide a great visual that supports active and safe travel to school,” Ms Uthmeyer said.

For more information about safe and healthy travel to your school, contact the health promotion team on 9840 3603.