CONFERENCE PROCEEDINGS ARCHIVES

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“I believe that music and musical activities have the potential to equip children with a greater sense of self-awareness and self-control, which could be part of the answer to prevent or manage the growing obesity crisis.

As well as being mentally and creatively stimulating, music can be a great physical experience that encourages movement and exercise.

This year, the conference will look at how both children and parents may use music to foster a healthier lifestyle, certainly much needed at present, given the rise in obesity prevalence in youth according to the National Child Measurement Programme.”

“ Children and young people are one third of our population but all of our future . Now , more than ever before our youth face increasing challenges following a global pandemic , climate and financial challenges and navigating a complex digital world . There is no greater wealth than our health and preventing ill health is vital not only through education and awareness but also through a range of holistic approaches to strengthen the toolkits for the next generations in looking after their own health and well-being . The creative arts have long been known for their positive impact and we must now build their evidence base so that they can be adopted globally as part of our approach to the obesity problem and in turn also support better mental health and well being . All young people have potential but not all are provided with opportunity - together we can change this and I am delighted to have been invited to be part of the World Music Conference 2022 - “Music to promote physical health in children and adolescents.”

“Obesity should be classed as the most important non communicable disease that man-kind faces! We have to look at innovative ways, such as music, to combat the scourge of obesity and its ramifications of diabetes, cardiovascular disease and other ailments. Apart from genetic and other factors, excess food consumption is central to obesity. Food contributes to 20% of greenhouse gas production – so the message is clear! Furthermore, increasing global temperatures will lead to more inactivity and will increase obesity – not forgetting the impact of heat on medicines such as Insulin. It is predicted that by 2035 more will be spent on treating obesity and its associated complications than the cost of all cancers put together! So, there is no doubt that slowing down and stopping global warming will have a positive impact on the incidence of obesity.”

“I am delighted to support the conference as an advisor on the Global Steering Committee and as an Ambassador to the UN. We will be launching an anthem to help create awareness of childhood obesity and help to build a platform for positive health outcomes through music.”