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For some children and teenagers affected by cancer, a metabolic disease or any other condition which affects their physical abilities, healthy fun may seem like a luxury for other kids to enjoy.

But exercise physiologist and UWA PhD candidate Bonnie Furzer is determined that all children and teens should experience the thrill of everyday fun, from sport-specific skills to general fitness.

Bonnie co-ordinates a physical activity and health program for children aged from eight years with medical problems and it is aptly titled Thriving. It is overseen by a panel of experienced health professionals, and program leaders are final-year sport and exercise rehabilitation students.

Thriving may be the only such program specifically developed for children and teenagers in Australia and, while providing enormous benefits for the children and their families, it also feeds into research investigating the role of exercise rehabilitation in recovery following cancer, and other paediatric research within the School of Sport Science, Exercise and Health.

Thriving is run after school in ten-week blocks and during school holidays. Children who take part attend once or twice a week for up to an hour and a half.

The program aims to promote physical and psychosocial recovery after medical or allied health treatment and to help in the learning and progression of movement skills. It also helps children and teenagers to adapt to changes in their bodies.

The children - and their carers - find out about healthy living and are linked into a network of community-based services for young people with medical considerations.

The next program will be from Monday 30 September - Friday 11 October with enrolments currently open and places still available .

For more information, call Bonnie on 6488 3333 or www.sseh.uwa.edu.au/community/thriving