As parents and teachers,children are our pride and joy. We certainly want the best for our precious ones. The way we feed them early in life can either safeguard or sabotage their health and happiness later in life. A Yale public health expert has projected that todays generation of children are expected to have shorter life spans than their parents,a first in the history of mankind. As each generation has always outlived its previous generation due to better medical facilities and scientific advancements,it is obvious that some shifts in our lifestyles are endangering our childrens lives. Rapidly changing urban eating habits and exercise patterns have been found to be the most significant factors which have altered health,growth and development.While quality of nutrition in childhood determines childrens physical and mental development,research has now established that the process begins much earlierin the womb during the foetal stages. Both under-nutrition and over-nutrition at this stage play a role in the development of diseases like obesity,diabetes and coronary artery disease later in life,suggesting clearly that prevention of chronic diseases should start even before childhood begins. Childhood obesity has assumed an epidemic proportion globally. The trends appear to be more serious in nations in transitional stages of development like ours,both in terms of numbers and severity. Some studies indicate the prevalence rates for obesity in children in India may be even higher than the global average of 24 per centa great paradox given the poverty in our country.Obesity in childhood and adolescence is an independent risk factor for adult obesity and a precursor to chronic degenerative diseases. The real concern is that adult diseases including high cholesterol levels,high blood pressure,abnormal glucose tolerance,diabetes,stroke,liver diseases,bone diseases and cancer are manifesting earlier in childhood. Once developed,they stay throughout life. Type 2 diabetes,once considered an adult disease,has skyrocketed among children and adolescents. If statistics are to be believed,every fourth diabetic in the world is an Indian and India is set to become the diabetes capital of the world by 2025. Eighty-five per cent of children with type 2 diabetes are either overweight or obese (American Diabetes Association,2000). According to the World Health Organisation,the school years are an influential time in a childs development,a time when life-long eating patterns are formed. It is the most appropriate time to establish healthy eating patterns.Since children and teenagers spend a significant amount of their time at school,it is imperative to address eating habits of children there and create healthier school nutrition environments.The current formal school curriculum does not facilitate adequate education on nutrition and health-related issues. School is a perfect setting to provide the right information and learning through formal and non-formal teaching methods. Peer group pressures are profound among adolescents. School-based programmes can directly address peer pressures and help reinforce healthy eating habits. An environment which supports healthy eating facilitates easier and effective changes in eating patterns. This is also true for other lifestyle factors,including physical activity. Schools must be safe havens where students can access healthy foods.Food and nutrition programmes must include nutritious meals,nutrition education,screening,assessment,appropriate intervention and guidance to promote optimal health. HANDY TIPSMake sure there is an adequate consumption of whole grains,pulses,dairy products and nutsIncrease intake of fruits and vegetablesHave breakfast and family mealsLimit the intake of sweetened drinks and sugary foodRegulate intake of junk food,crisps and high-fat foodAvoiding hydrogenated and trans fatsAvoid eating in front of the televisionEncourage traditional and local cuisines
