Promoting good nutrition, health for our students
For many parents, the September countdown has already begun. The lazy days of summer are just about over and our school communities are getting ready to start another school term.
After such a spectacular summer in Cape Breton, it will probably be a difficult transition for many students. There is a certain “ebb and flow” to the seasons and September always signals that it is time to go back to school.
When I was teaching, I always loved the first day of school. New sneakers in the hallways, fresh faces and eager students ... excitement was in the air.
For many parents, September can be a stressful time of the year. The stores in our local communities are busy with families getting back-to-school clothes and supplies.
When classes start, one of the concerns focuses of what children will be eating during the school day. Many of our children have health conditions due to poor food choices and a sedentary lifestyle. Obesity, high blood pressure and Type 2 diabetes used to be considered adult health concerns. Now these conditions are rearing their ugly heads in elementary classrooms.
Both our families and our school communities have a stake in improving the health of this generation of children.
At the school level, there is a “Food and Nutrition Policy for Nova Scotia Schools” that each school must follow.
Foods that have minimum nutritional value are ones that are very high in sugar, fat, salt, caffeine and sweeteners and should be served as little as possible. There is some flexibility for special occasions such as Hallowe’en and Christmas celebrations.
Foods with maximum nutritional value are foods and beverages that are part of Canada’s Food Guide. These items are high in nutrients that are essential for a child’s growth such as vitamins, minerals, protein, carbohydrates, fiber and water. Foods that have undergone little or no processing are the preferred choice.
Schools are permitted to serve or sell only milk (white, chocolate, flavored and nutritional alternatives to milk), 100 per cent juice and water as beverages.
Pop is not allowed to be served in Nova Scotia schools due to the high sugar content.
Water is the beverage that is encouraged for consumption. Water hydrates the brain cells so that optimum learning can take place.
Students are allowed to take their water bottles into the classroom.
Even mild dehydration can have a negative effect on brain functions, levels of alertness and energy levels.
Some of our schools have water refill stations so that students can refill their bottles throughout the day.
Every school in the Cape Breton-Victoria School Board has a breakfast/snack program coordinated by Debbie Madore. This program makes sure that all students start their day on a full tummy.
Schools do not use deep fat fryers and schools make sure that the portion sizes offered to students reflect and support healthy eating behaviors.
All our parents want their children to be as healthy as possible.
For our elementary students, getting a new lunch bag is an annual back-to-school ritual. Superheroes, Pokémon and Disney are popular theme choices. What to put in these lunch bags is often a stressor for parents, especially if the child is a picky eater. Fruit, vegetables, applesauce and yogurt seem to be popular choices for young children.
Yes ... there are some rules to abide by. Some of our students and staff are challenged with life-threatening allergies so the school staff will send out an alert on this concern.
Let me assure you that there are no “food police” in our schools checking on the nutritional content of the lunch bags. That is left in the hands of the parents.
Parents need to keep in mind the wise words of Buddha ... “To keep the body in good health is a duty ... otherwise we shall not be able to keep our mind strong and clear.”