HEALTHY EATING HABITS VS OBESITY

LIEZEL T. BUNDALIAN

Every day, we see in our schools the consequences of our students’poor eating habits. We also see that they lack exercise. This gravely affects their academics and extracurricular activities, because they don’t have the energy and stamina, lack concentration and self-confidence.

What can all of these lead to? Heart conditions, obesity and a host of other physical conditions. This issue affects students’social-emotional and character-development. Without this, they would have poor eating habits because good health is an interpersonal endeavor.

Schools should influence students’eating habits and attitudes about health, fitness, and food. They should also influence parent attitudes and behaviour, because healthy eating habits start at home.

Students should also learn to stand up to negative peer pressure so that they can make healthy choices. Obesity has been a steadily rising trend since the late 1970s. Recent reports are urging a critical call for action.

Our schools should have health coordinators who act as mentors, classroom educators, health boosters, and confidantes. They can help enhance the mental resilience of students who are barraged by food choices, and gadgets that discourage them from outdoor play. There are also stresses brought about by family problems, cultural issues, and poverty that should be addressed.

Schools should also challenge faculty to impart health messages and urge food staff to increase healthy eating options.

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The author is Teacher III at Dolores National High School