Action Cancer's Wally and Wise puppets paid a visit to children at St. Mary's Primary School, Mullymesker recently, as part of the charity's Health Action programme.

During the interactive show, puppets Wally the wolf and Wise the sheep demonstrated the importance of healthy eating, regular exercise and sun safety.

Health Action is a health promotion and cancer prevention initiative developed by Action Cancer with assistance from retail group Centra.

The programme includes the Wally and Wise puppet show for nursery and primary schools and weekly sessions for teenagers. The programme for teenagers includes a new heath promotion DVD and a 'Cardiobox' routine to encourage young people to be more active.

Action Cancer's Health Promotion Manager, Emily MaGrath said health Action gave schools the opportunity to fund-raise for Action Cancer – raising vital funds towards work in early detection, support services and research.

Health Action sessions incorporate core messages on early detection and cancer prevention, including the dangers of smoking and alcohol, the importance of exercise, sun safety and a balanced diet.

Information on the prevention and detection of testicular, breast, cervical and skin cancer is also included as appropriate to the age and gender of the group.