12 June 2008

Oral Health CD Launched

A CD ‘Gimme 5’ has been launched to teach parents and toddlers in the Armagh and Dungannon area about oral health and nutrition.

The CD which includes songs and rhymes about healthy eating complements the ‘Gimme 5’ story-sack which promotes the five fruit and vegetables a day message.

The songs and rhymes were recorded by children from the Totz ‘n’ Teenz Afterschool Club, Craigavon and the CD was produced by BNL Productions, Richill.

Anne Barrett, Oral Health Dietitian, Southern Health and Social Care Trust who developed the ‘Gimme 5’ storysack and CD says: “Children in Northern Ireland have the worst dental health in the UK. A survey in 2002 showed that by the time they begin primary school, most children here will have experienced dental decay. ‘Gimme 5’ takes a fun approach to getting an important health promotion message through to a very young age group and their parents. We hope that the CD and storysack teaches toddlers some important oral health messages that will last them throughout life.”

Funded by the Southern Childcare Partnership through the Armagh and Dungannon Early Years Forum, the ‘Gimme 5’ CDs are being distributed to each Parent and Toddler Group and Day Nursery in the area.

For further information contact Anne Barrett, Oral Health Dietitian

Tel: 028 3752 2381 ext 2500