School alarmed after reality check on students’ health
Doon school of Maninagar, on its own initiative, carried out a survey on the health status of its students, and realised a lot needed to be done to raise consciousness among kids
By Yogesh Avasthi
Posted On Thursday, February 26, 2009 (Ahmedabad Mirror : http://www.ahmedabadmirror.com/index.aspx?Page=article§name=News%20-%20City§id=3&contentid=2009022620090226025556388d9cc6601)
Doon International Public School of Maninagar carried out a survey on the health status of its students, a project co-ordinator, doctors and volunteers from among its children. The school’s drive, taken on its own initiative, brought out some disturbing findings that indicated that its children were not in the pink of health and a lot needed to be done to raise consciousness among them.
Doon school began by understanding from doctors the parameters of good health for children. It then constituted a team consisting of medical practitioners and 12 student volunteers, to carry out the survey under project co-ordinator and teacher Tejas Thakker. The team surveyed 450 students of classes VIII, IX and X.A questionnaire handed out to students sought responses on lifestyle issues.
The children were measured for height and weight and also put through physical drills to test their strength and stamina. The findings revealed that 72 per cent of those surveyed had little health consciousness, 32 per cent didn’t care about health issues, 48 per cent had morning breakfast, 97 per cent had junk food, 17 exercised daily, while 96 per cent had personal mobiles and 72 spent long hour on TV viewing and video games. Significantly, 68 per cent of the children were found to be obese, while 22 per cent were underweight and malnourished.
Following the survey, the school took measure to improve food and lifestyle habits of children. Doon school principal Rajendran G said, “Our volunteer students are creating awareness among rest of the students. This will pay dividends in the long run.” The school later sent copies of its health survey to the chief minister’s office and the health minister.
By Yogesh Avasthi
Posted On Thursday, February 26, 2009 (Ahmedabad Mirror : http://www.ahmedabadmirror.com/index.aspx?Page=article§name=News%20-%20City§id=3&contentid=2009022620090226025556388d9cc6601)
Doon International Public School of Maninagar carried out a survey on the health status of its students, a project co-ordinator, doctors and volunteers from among its children. The school’s drive, taken on its own initiative, brought out some disturbing findings that indicated that its children were not in the pink of health and a lot needed to be done to raise consciousness among them.
Doon school began by understanding from doctors the parameters of good health for children. It then constituted a team consisting of medical practitioners and 12 student volunteers, to carry out the survey under project co-ordinator and teacher Tejas Thakker. The team surveyed 450 students of classes VIII, IX and X.A questionnaire handed out to students sought responses on lifestyle issues.
The children were measured for height and weight and also put through physical drills to test their strength and stamina. The findings revealed that 72 per cent of those surveyed had little health consciousness, 32 per cent didn’t care about health issues, 48 per cent had morning breakfast, 97 per cent had junk food, 17 exercised daily, while 96 per cent had personal mobiles and 72 spent long hour on TV viewing and video games. Significantly, 68 per cent of the children were found to be obese, while 22 per cent were underweight and malnourished.
Following the survey, the school took measure to improve food and lifestyle habits of children. Doon school principal Rajendran G said, “Our volunteer students are creating awareness among rest of the students. This will pay dividends in the long run.” The school later sent copies of its health survey to the chief minister’s office and the health minister.
