Rise and Shine movement aims to raise happier, healthier children

SINGAPORE: A community—led initiative aimed at helping to raise healthier and happier children was launched on Sunday.

The Rise and Shine movement is the effort of a group of parents, supported by various agencies and healthcare partners.

1,341 people spent their Sunday morning at The Lawn@Marina Bay eating breakfast as a family. They set a record for the biggest breakfast picnic turnout in Singapore.

The event was part of the Rise and Shine movement to raise awareness on healthy development of children.

Minister of State for Health Dr Amy Khor stressed healthy lifestyles for children must start with the family.

Dr Khor urged parents to cultivate healthy habits in their children early.

She added activities that families do together can have a significant impact on children.

Dr Khor said: "In order to develop our children and allow them to develop to the fullest potential, we need to ensure the healthy growth and development of our children and healthy growth and development really means promoting, inculcating healthy living, healthy habits in our children from as early as possible and that of course must include good nutrition, good diet, regular exercise, as well as of course mental and emotional well—being."

— CNA/xq