8.4.5. Health and nutrition issues of school age children

With the concerted efforts of parents in following immunisation schedules and healthy nutrition pattern the child by this time is strong enough to fight occasional colds and cough. You may know that obesity is a growing health risk among children now. This is largely due to a diet rich in fatty foods high in salt, low in fiber and beverages with added sugar. Non-active lifestyle further complements the situation. The problem is more among children from higher socio-economic sections of our society.

As children grow, they are generally healthier and capable of battling minor illnesses like colds and coughs if they have had proper vaccinations and nutrition. However, a significant health concern today is obesity, especially among children. This issue is primarily attributed to diets that are high in unhealthy fats and sugars, while lacking in fiber. Additionally, a lack of physical activity exacerbates this problem, particularly among children from wealthier families who may have easier access to unhealthy foods.

Imagine a child who mostly eats fast food, soft drinks, and snacks while spending most of their free time playing video games instead of going outside. This child is likely to gain excess weight due to the high-calorie, low-nutrient foods they consume and their sedentary lifestyle. Just like a car that runs on poor-quality fuel may break down, a child's health can deteriorate when fed a poor diet and not enough exercise.

Type II diabetes and hypertension, earlier rare among children, are becoming more common among youngsters nowadays. This is attributed to the rise in childhood obesity.

Serious health conditions like Type II diabetes and high blood pressure, which were once considered adult diseases, are increasingly being diagnosed in children. This trend is often linked to the obesity epidemic. As children gain excessive weight, their bodies can start to react in ways that lead to these conditions, including insulin resistance, which is a precursor to diabetes.

Think of a balloon that is being inflated excessively. As it expands beyond its limits, it becomes weaker and may pop. Similarly, when a child's body has too much fat, it can lead to health problems like diabetes and hypertension, which could have long-term consequences on their health if not addressed early.

Under nutrition still remains a serious health hazard among lower socio-economic groups. Children from poor families go to school on an empty stomach. The result is that these malnourished children are not likely to perform well in school. Instead they are at a greater risk of morbidity and mortality.

Despite the growing problem of childhood obesity, undernutrition remains a critical issue, particularly for children from low-income families. Many of these children may attend school without having had breakfast or enough to eat, which can hinder their ability to concentrate, learn, and fully participate in school activities. Furthermore, malnutrition increases the likelihood of illnesses, which can lead to higher rates of absenteeism and even long-term health issues.

Consider two students in a classroom: one comes in hungry and tired because they skipped breakfast due to their family’s financial constraints, while the other is well-nourished and alert. The hungry student struggles to focus and may fall behind in their studies, similar to how a car without enough fuel can't perform at its best. This showcases how vital proper nutrition is for both academic success and health.

The mid-day meal scheme (MDMS) implemented by our government provides free lunch to school children from Classes I–VIII. The scheme has shown very good results. Teachers report that classroom performance and attention spans of children have improved significantly. Not only has this school enrolment increased but drop-out rate has declined too. MDMS has been shown to reduce the gender gap in education by boosting female attendance.

The Mid-Day Meal Scheme is a government initiative aimed at providing free nutritious meals to students in lower classes. This program has led to notable improvements in children's performance in school. With the availability of meals, students are more likely to attend school and concentrate on their studies, leading to higher enrollment rates and lower dropout rates. Additionally, this program empowers girls by encouraging more families to send their daughters to school, contributing to educational equity.

Imagine the excitement of children receiving a warm meal at school every day, where previously many went without. This act is like planting a seed; with proper nourishment—like a seed in good soil—their potential to grow and thrive, academically and socially, increases significantly. Just as a garden flourishes with sufficient water and sunlight, children flourish with the right nutrition and education.

In our country we face the dual problem of undernutrition as well as over-nutrition. So if we continue to spread the benefits of healthy nutrition it will have an impact in the long run. Besides 'School Health' programmes providing free health checks and treatment will increase overall well-being of children.

The challenge of managing both undernutrition and over-nutrition is significant. While some children suffer from lack of nutrients, others may be consuming too many calories and unhealthy foods. To address these issues, it is crucial to promote awareness of healthy eating practices. Furthermore, health programs in schools that provide health assessments and treatments can play an essential role in improving children's overall health and nutritional status.

Think of a community garden facing issues with both weeds and crops that are wilting. Just as the garden needs careful attention to help both the plants thrive and eliminate weeds, similar attention must be given to support healthy eating and mitigate both undernutrition and over-nutrition among children to cultivate a healthier future generation.

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