A MUM-of-three is urging parents to take advantage of an early years medical review after her daughter was diagnosed with having a high body mass index (BMI) level at the age of two.

Julie Townson, from Atherton, was told her daughter Millicent's BMI was above the average for her age in a review for children aged from two to two-and-a-half-year-olds and that she would need to improve the toddler's diet and introduce more exercise into her lifestyle.

The two year review, which is provided by Bridgewater Community Healthcare NHS Foundation Trust's (Bridgewater) Health Visiting Service, gives parents the chance to speak to a nursery nurse or health visitor about their child's physical wellbeing, growth and development.

It will also cover social, emotional and language development with the BMI test included.

Wigan Council's Let’s Get Movin’ programme is linked to the review to help to improve children's exercise and diet requirements.

Julie, 38, said: “I was a bit embarrassed at first to be told that Millicent had a high BMI.

"However, once I thought about it, I decided to get the help and support being offered and put it into practice.

"I realised I needed to reduce the her meal portion sizes and I accepted a referral to the Let’s Get Movin’ programme which provided me with useful healthy recipes.”

Now aged four, Millicent's BMI range has become healthier after following advise from the two year review.

Julie added: “Millicent has responded really well to the small changes we have made.

"I have started making meals again from scratch and she keeps trying new foods.

"She has also started nursery and become more active.

"I am grateful to the Health Visiting Service for their help and I would recommend the support available to any parent.”

Other concerns covered in the two year review are children's hearing and vision capabilities with advice also offered about a range of matters such as sleeping habits and vaccinations.

The review is carried out in clinics, early year settings, Start Well Family Centres and homes across Wigan and Leigh.

The Heath Visiting Service sends invites to parents of children in the borough who fall in the specified age category about the scheme.

Community nursery nurse at Tyldesley Health Service Sam Abbott said: “Health visiting staff want to support local parents as much as possible.

"The two year review is a chance for parents to access support on a range of issues and that includes health and lifestyle.

"If a child’s BMI is high, we can offer non-judgemental advice to families to help them make small, achievable changes such as getting more active, cutting down portion sizes or eating less processed food.

“We offer follow-up support for parents both in person and over the telephone and regular BMI checks to monitor health improvements.

"Exercise is an important part of a healthy lifestyle and the Let’s Get Movin’ team provide one-to-one support to families with children under five.

"This includes fun activities, top food tips, 12 weeks free swimming and a key worker to support the family.”

Children with an increased BMI are more likely to become overweight adults which could put them in danger of physical and emotional health problems such as high blood pressure, heart disease and having a stroke.

For more information about health visiting in Wigan visit bridgewater.nhs.uk/healthvisitingservice.

To find out more about the Let’s Get Movin’ Team go to wigan.gov.uk/Resident/Education/Lets-get-movin.aspx.