Focus to be laid on the importance of inculcating
good health practices at a young age to prevent lifestyle diseases in the
future
New Delhi,
September 4, 2017: The Indian Medical
Association (IMA) is all set to organize its second 'Aao School Chalen'
programme this Teachers' Day on September 5. Last month’s initiative was
successfully conducted across over 200 schools.
According to
statistics, about 60% of the country’s population is below the age of 45
including the sub-group of school children. The health and well being of the
country’s young people is not a matter of luck and neither is it a chance or
random event. It must be a planned outcome. Under IMA’s Aao School Chalen
Project, the 5th day of every month has been designated to imparting
public health education in schools. IMA Branches at a National level have been
asked to adopt schools and deliver lectures on matters of public health in
their morning assemblies. The topic for this month is fighting obesity at a
young age to prevent common lifestyle diseases in the future.
Childhood obesity is increasing worldwide at an alarming pace. India has
not been spared either. Factors contributing to this are the consumption of an
unhealthy diet - eating foods high in fats, sugar and salt (junk
food, processed food) and a sedentary lifestyle. Today, TV, internet, computer
and mobile games have taken precedence over outdoor sports making children at a
much higher risk of obesity.
Speaking about this, Padma Shri Awardee Dr K K Aggarwal, National
President Indian Medical Association (IMA) and President Heart Care Foundation
of India (HCFI) and Dr RN Tandon – Honorary Secretary General IMA in a joint
statement, said, "Prevention of lifestyle diseases must start
in childhood itself. Schools shape the lives of their students
and have a very important role to play in this battle against
childhood obesity in creating health awareness among children.
Healthy habits in childhood lay a foundation for a healthier adulthood.
The IMA Aao School Chelen project aims at inculcating healthy habits in
students from the very onset.”
Adding
further, Dr Aggarwal, said, “School health is very important as schools
are not just centers that impart formal education, but also influence overall
development of a child. To enjoy good health during adulthood, healthy
lifestyle including hygiene habits must be inculcated in childhood itself.
School health education programmes can help reduce health risk behaviors such
as tobacco use, poor nutrition, lack of physical activity, drug and alcohol
use.”
All IMA
members have been asked to visit their old school or any nearby school during
the school assembly and interact with students and teachers to sensitize them
on issues of public health importance. It need not be a long-drawn talk, but a
short talk of 10 to 15 minutes.
A few tips for school children:
- Respect the Laws of Nature and eat seasonal and locally grown fruits
and vegetables
- Each day ensure that you consume food items that span all seven colors
and six tastes
- Avoid refined carbohydrates (white sugar, white maida and white rice)
- Reduce the consumption of salt by 40%
- Whenever you get an opportunity walk or move.
- There are no medicinal advantages of consuming
tobacco in any form. It only causes harm
- While eating out always remember the basic formula– Heat it/Cook It/
Boil it /Peel It or Forget it.
- Get up at the same time every day
- Don’t forget to practice yoga and meditation on a regular basis
- Do not miss your mid-day meal and don’t skip mid-day workouts as they
expose you to the sunlight that your body needs for proper functioning
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