Teach kids about healthy eating habits

SCHOOLS should focus more on educating students about healthy eating habits to help increase awareness about diabetes.

Consumers Association of Penang (CAP) president S.M Mohd Idris said schools were not doing enough to educate kids about the dangers of diabetes and obesity.

“Teachers teach the students to brush their teeth. But is that enough?

“They should be teaching more about nutrients and what are wholesome foods, as well as feeding the students right,” he said at a press conference held in conjunction with World Diabetes Day.

Mohd Idris said type 2 diabetes was no longer seen as a disease of the older generation because children as young as 10 were also suffering from diabetes.

“Diabetes takes a toll on the limbs, eyesight, kidney, heart and nerves.

“The high consumption of fat and meat by Malaysians increases body weight, resulting in diseases such as diabetes, heart attack, kidney disease, high cholesterol and high blood pressure,” he said.

Mohd Idris said a study of more than 4,000 participants by Harvard School of Public Health (HSPH) researchers found a strong connection between the consumption of red meat (particularly processed meat) and an increased risk of diabetes.

“The study also shows that replacing red meat with healthier proteins such as low-fat dairy, nuts or whole grains can significantly lower the risk.

“I also urge the Health Ministry to educate the public on the dangers of obesity and diabetes, and introduce a tax on foods which are high in fat, sugar, salt and additives,” he said.

Source: The Star Online