Peoplecare 'Healthy Habits' program goes online during pandemic

As the Illawarra Covid-enforced lockdown continues into it's seventh week, the Illawarra Hawks have ensured they remain active in the local community with the aide of technology.

The club's Peoplecare Healthy Habits program moving online this school term to ensure kids continue to adopt positive and healthy habits despite the ongoing pandemic.

Illawarra Hawks community engagement officer, Tim Coenraad, continues to roll the program into local schools despite the logtistical issues, and believes the current situation around the country is even more reason to engage in healthy activites and embrace a healthy lifestyle.

"The Peoplecare Healthy Habits program explains the importance of leading a healthy lifestyle and gets students thinking about taking care of their body, which I think is even more relevant at the moment considering how much time we're being forced to spend inside," Coenraad said.

"We wanted to find a way to get this important message out to schools, even during lockdown. So thanks to technology, I have been able to chat with classes via Zoom and put together a fun and informative presentation for the students involved," Coenraad said.

Russell Vale Public School is one school that's welcomed Coenraad into their virtual classroom in recent weeks, with the impact certainly appreciated in tough Covid times.

"Tim's Healthy Habits session prompted our Year 4/5 class to think 'outside the box' literally and to take up the challenge to choose fresh produce over pre-packaged items and to get moving. Engaging, educational and in every way good for us - not just for now but for the rest of our lives. The perfect assist," Russell Vale's Michelle Rafferty said.

Peoplecare CEO, Dr Melinda Williams, said the benefits of the Healthy Habits program were even more pertinent during the pandemic.

"We're so glad that we've been able to throw our support behind the Hawks Healthy Habits program which is being delivered through Zoom this year to local primary schools. Through our own friends and families we know hard it is for kids, parents and teachers alike to push on through lock down and keep life as normal as possible. That's why the friendly and engaging basketball star Tim Coenraad from the Hawks is the perfect person to give the kids a lift and keep their learning on track for just that little bit longer," Dr Williams said.

If you would like to sign your school up for the Peoplecare Healthy Habits program, please contact Tim on community@hawks.com.au

If you would like more information on the Hawks Healthy Habits program, please click below.