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Diabetes Project “SMS” for Children Honored at the didacta

The Düsseldorf initiative “SMS. Sei schlau. Mach mit. Sei fit.” (in English: Be smart. Join in. Be fit.) of the DZD scientist Professor Karsten Müssig was recognized for its outstanding commitment in the field of health education. The aim of SMS is to enthuse children about healthy eating and more physical activity. Through the award, SMS becomes part of the project “IN FORM, Germany’s initiative for a healthy diet and more physical activity” and receives the IN FORM supporter logo. The initiative is supported by the Federal Ministry of Food and Agriculture and the Federal Ministry of Health.

“We retain many behaviors that we learn in childhood throughout our entire lives,” said Professor Karsten Müssig, head of the project, at the awards ceremony. “It is therefore of utmost importance that children develop health awareness as early as possible. The mission of IN FORM is to promote this awareness.”
 
For three years SMS has been presenting the topics of nutrition and physical exercise to children in Düsseldorf schools. Many offerings go beyond pure classroom teaching: For example, last year school children trained at the youth training center of Fortuna Düsseldorf. With the Düsseldorf artisan bakers they baked wholemeal bread and other specialties.
SMS conveys the fun of leading a healthy lifestyle where it counts – directly in the living environment of the students. “SMS. Be smart. Join in. Be fit. ” therefore received a sign with the IN FORM logo. From now on the SMS initiative can use the motto “Supports the goals of IN FORM”. In addition, the project will be included in the project database on the website www.in-form.de and will receive services in public relations.
 
IN FORM is a nationwide initiative that since 2008 has been promoting a healthy diet and more exercise in Germany. The IN FORM logo is awarded to projects that implement nutrition and physical education in an exemplary way and thus support the goals of IN FORM.