On June 18th, the primary schoolchildren of the initiative “SMS. Be smart. Join in. Be fit.” were guests of the Cologne artisan bakers. In the Kraus Bakery the children learned first-hand why wholemeal bread is so healthy and why it therefore belongs in every school snack box. But fun activities were also included. Besides wholemeal bread and other specialties, the children had the opportunity to put their baking talents to the test and formed dough into braids. “A healthy and balanced diet is a prerequisite for physical well-being and good performance at school,” said master baker Stephan Kraus, explaining why he supports the SMS initiative. Professor Karsten Müssig, a DZD scientist who is head of the project, added: “A large number of children go to school without breakfast, which is why we want to highlight the importance of a balanced breakfast to replenish the energy reserves in order to be prepared for the requirements of a school day.”

The initiative "SMS. Be smart. Join in. Be fit.", headed by Prof.  Karsten Müssig, is aimed at primary schools in Düsseldorf and Cologne seeks to counteract obesity and other lifestyle diseases in childhood and adolescence. The participating children receive extra lessons on nutrition in cooperation with the Educational Center for Dietary Assistants of the Kaiserswerther Diakonie and take part in the exercise program for primary schools “Fitness for Kids” developed by sports scientist Dr. Kerstin Ketelhut. The two health insurance companies IKK classic and KKH, the organization diabetesDE - German Diabetes Aid, the Sports Department of Düsseldorf and other renowned partners and prominent people in Düsseldorf support the project and provide the children with very attractive venues for learning outside of school.
The patron is Thomas Geisel, mayor of the state capital of Düsseldorf.

More information about the initiative can be found at: www.sms-mach-mit.de.