Benefits of balanced diet discussed in schools

Amritsar, September 12

Observing National Nutrition Week, several health and nutrition awareness programmes were held in private and government schools in the district.

The city teams comprising of Health Department officials and district programme officers had conducted several nutritional awareness camps and seminars in government and private schools, where students were apprised about the benefits of nutritional diet and how to ensure a balanced diet.

As per an earlier visit of the officials from the State Food Commission, the government schools in the district will be running mid-day meal programme keeping in mind the nutritional and dietary requirements of children, including regular check-up of their blood sugar levels and providing folic acid supplements.

As per officials of the District Education Office, a dietary chart for nutritional requirements of children, as per age groups, had been distributed in all government schools and mid-day meals are planned according to that.

According to the District Programme Office, the target to reduce the number of underweight children aged 0-6 years is currently set at two per cent within a year. The schools and primary centres, including anganwadis, will be working towards implementing programmes in reducing anaemia, malnutrition and obesity among children.

Meanwhile, several NGOs also set up free of cost nutrition and diet consultancy camps at colleges and schools.

Health Dept holds ‘poshan abhiyan’ event

• The Health Department organised an event dedicated to the ongoing ‘poshan abhiyan’ at Government High Smart School, Udhanwal, here on Monday, to educate the students about the need for consuming a nutritious diet.
• Block Extension Educator Surinder Kaur stressed that in one’s growing years, a healthy and nutritious diet is a must for the overall growth of the mind and the body. She further emphasised that a nutritious diet is even more important for adolescent girls. The health experts also educated the students about the harms of fast food.