Go4Fun online shows screen time for the whole family can be healthy!

The Doshi family from Seven Hills is encouraging all families with kids aged 7-13 to join the free Go4Fun Online program. “It’s what you need to do. It’s just fun, it’s amazing!” described dad, Krupesh Doshi.

Over 10 weeks, Go4Fun Online gives families tips for healthy eating and keeping fit, from the comfort of their own home. Krupesh said, “It really helped us as working parents. It’s in your home, in your own time.”

With face-to-face Go4Fun programs on hold due to COVID-19 restrictions, the Go4Fun team at Western Sydney Local Health District (WSLHD) are promoting this engaging online format. It includes weekly activity sessions, an online community, plus email and text message support.

Each family in the program receives weekly phone coaching with a health professional.

“This is the biggest part of the program – because of our coach, we were so engaged! By the third week, we were eagerly waiting for the call on Tuesday afternoons. Anna, our coach was so sweet, humble, considerate, and gave us a lot of options, especially as we are strict vegetarians.”

The Doshi family have made many positive changes to their lifestyle, including being physically active as a whole family, reading food labels when shopping to choose healthier foods, and increasing their vegetable intake.

Centre for Population Health, Christine Newman from Western Sydney Local Health District said research has shown that the whole-family approach to healthy lifestyle changes is highly effective in improving health and wellbeing for the longer term.

“Go4Fun is a tried-and-tested program designed especially for families. Our team make the sessions fun and engaging to help equip parents and their children with important information and skills for healthy eating and physical activity,” said Christine.

“It’s great to see families, from children through to grandparents, making healthy lifestyle changes together through Go4Fun online,” she said.

All Go4Fun Online families receive a start-up pack which includes a free Garmin tracker. “I wear it all day and I make sure it goes to 10,000 steps and 60 minutes,” said Krupa Doshi, aged 9.

“Sometimes before going to sleep, she makes me dance with her to make up the steps,” said Krupa’s mum, Sushma. “Even her schoolteacher noticed she was working really hard and started comparing her steps with Krupa!” added Krupesh.

“By participating in Go4Fun Online and changing our lifestyle habits, we were able to inspire others who then enrolled in the program. It was a good achievement for us as a family,” he concluded.

The program runs each school term.

Families with kids aged 7-13 – book now for the Term 4 program!

Sign up before Friday 16 October to secure your spot in the Term 4 program – limited places available. To book or for more information, call Go4Fun on 1800 780 900 or visit go4funonline.com.au