Food And Fitness For Fellow Students

Newcastle Herald

Thursday June 14, 2007

Editorial By PAULA BURDIS, SEBASTIAN NAUDE and LIAM POTTER

DO you think schools are doing enough to fight obesity and unhealthy lifestyles?

Many schools are doing a lot to fight obesity yet, according to research, childhood obesity levels have almost doubled in the past few years in the Hunter Valley.

This rise in the number of overweight children is disturbing because it causes health problems, which in turn can lead to social problems.

Australia is actually the second 'fattest nation' behind the US.

Stockton PS is fighting obesity in many ways.

The kindergarten classes have gross motor activities each morning. The year 1 and year 2 classes have daily physical education classes. Most children from kindergarten to year 2 also participate in the newly introduced weekly dance lessons.

Primary classes also have weekly sport lessons, individual class lessons and regularly compete in knockout competitions throughout the region in sports including soccer, netball, football and baseball.

At school we combine these physical activities with our healthy canteen. All schools must comply with nutritional guidelines. These guidelines have been set down to ensure children are offered nutritional meals at a reasonable price.

Not only does the responsibility lie with schools, parents also need to play a vital role in the education of children's eating habits.

They must lead by example.

According to research, Australians eat only half the amount of fruit and vegetables recommended for good health. Parents need to introduce children to healthy food from an early age and make these foods readily available.

Parents should be encouraging children to eat healthily and discourage too much junk food.

Finally, children need to take some responsibility for their own actions. Children should be responsible for the type and amount of food they consume.

When they are hungry between meals, children should try eating fruit or vegetable sticks instead of biscuits or confectionery. They should also exercise more often, not just sit and watch television or play computer games.

The world has changed greatly since our grandparents and parents were young. Many modern inventions have made life much easier for both adults and children. However, modern computer technology has helped to foster children's inactivity, which in turn has led to an increase in childhood obesity.

We all need to look at our lives and our health choices. Be food wise, fitness orientated, outdoor active and a healthier, fitter nation we'll produce.

© 2007 Newcastle Herald

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