The Road to Better Health

by: Dr. Cynthia C. Dela Cruz

Healthy and Unhealthy Foods for School Children

Role of Media

1. The media industry should launch information campaigns regarding the benefits of eating healthy foods and consequences of eating unhealthy foods.

2. The media industry should coordinate with FNRI, National Nutrition Council and DOH in the dissemination of health and nutrition messages to the general public.

Role of Parents and Caregivers

1. Parent should assume an active role in eliminating unhealthy foods from the diet of their children by not buying such foods.

2. Parents should also create a good environment supportive of healthy food choices for their children by not consuming unhealthy foods.

3. Parents should participate in the health and nutrition education of their children by practicing at home what their children learn in school.

4. Parents should be aware of existing policies and guidelines to promote good nutrition among their children. They should actively participate in the implementation of these policies at home and in school.

Role of Physicians

1. Physicians should coordinate with school officials and other health professionals including the parents and the community for the creation of a school base nutrition council/committee in school aimed at providing nutritional education with the reinforcement of high nutritional standards in school.

2. Physicians should advise parents on the importance of a healthy and balance diet for the proper development of children.

3. Physicians should also educate parents, caregivers, and children about the health consequences of continued consumptions of unhealthy foods./TE