Schools to become healthy zones

Health Minister Terrence Deyalsingh made the announcement yesterday at the opening of a camp hosted by the Diabetes Association at the Preysal Secondary School.

“(The plan) includes a total reduction in the sale to children of drinks which are sweetened unnecessarily - soft drink and juices - and bring back to the system, healthy options,” Deyalsingh said.

Referring to juvenile diabetes and childhood obesity as a “crisis on our hands”, he said one of the drivers of that was unhealthy lifestyles. He said part of the non-communicable diseases programme is to encourage children to lead healthier lifestyles by ensuring proper diet and exercise.

Consequently, only 100 per cent fruit juices, water and other drinks that have been cleared by the Ministries of Health and Education, will be available to students from the new term.

“It is also going to include what we provide with the free lunches and breakfast. We are working with the Education Ministry and School Feeding Programme to redo the meals that are served.” The sale of energy drinks at schools will be banned.

“We have to recognise that too many of the young people are drinking too many of the energy drinks which are not good for them. In the open market, adults are free to consume as they wish, but we are also going to alert adults of the dangers, just like it is dangerous to be drinking too many soft drinks.” President Anthony Carmona and his wife Reema were among those in attendance yesterday.

Carmona said he felt the need to give visible support to the programme.

From September 29 to 30, the association will host an expo titled Diabetes Care - A Family Affair at the Centre of Excellence at Macoya. There are expected to be 175 exhibitors in three halls, 40 lectures together with demonstrations and special events.

Admission is $40 for adults and $20 for children. However, children in school uniform will be admitted free of charge.