HEALTHY eating habits should be instilled in children from young to prevent obesity and lifestyle diseases, Semariang assemblywoman Sharifah Hasidah Sayeed Aman Ghazali said.
She said although a study in 2006 showed that only 6.1 per cent of children aged one to 18 in Sarawak were obese, parents should not be complacent but should ensure that their children were eating healthy and nutritious food.
“While people now enjoy better living standards in line with the state’s development, chronic diseases related to nutrition such as obesity, diabetes, hypertension and heart ailments are also on the rise.
“Good nutrition must begin at an early age so that children can grow in good physical and mental health,” she said.
Speaking at the launch of the state-level Nutrition Month Malaysia at SK Encik Buyong in Kuching, Hasidah said good eating habits not only meant consuming nutritious food but also eating sufficient amounts.
“This will ensure that children get enough nutrition and not eat too much or too little, which can affect their health,” she said.
She added that healthy eating should be complemented with a healthy and active lifestyle.
“Children should be encouraged to play games and be active. They will not only become healthy but will have fun at the same time,” she said.
Earlier, State Health director Dr Zulkifli Jantan said Nutrition Month Malaysia was held every April to promote healthy eating habits.
He said this year’s event was themed “Healthy Children, Healthier Nation - Start Young” to create awareness among youngsters and their parents on the importance of good nutrition.
Various activities held in conjunction with the event included a public speaking competition, health and nutrition talks, healthy cooking demonstration and health quiz for students.
She said although a study in 2006 showed that only 6.1 per cent of children aged one to 18 in Sarawak were obese, parents should not be complacent but should ensure that their children were eating healthy and nutritious food.
“While people now enjoy better living standards in line with the state’s development, chronic diseases related to nutrition such as obesity, diabetes, hypertension and heart ailments are also on the rise.
“Good nutrition must begin at an early age so that children can grow in good physical and mental health,” she said.
Speaking at the launch of the state-level Nutrition Month Malaysia at SK Encik Buyong in Kuching, Hasidah said good eating habits not only meant consuming nutritious food but also eating sufficient amounts.
“This will ensure that children get enough nutrition and not eat too much or too little, which can affect their health,” she said.
She added that healthy eating should be complemented with a healthy and active lifestyle.
“Children should be encouraged to play games and be active. They will not only become healthy but will have fun at the same time,” she said.
Earlier, State Health director Dr Zulkifli Jantan said Nutrition Month Malaysia was held every April to promote healthy eating habits.
He said this year’s event was themed “Healthy Children, Healthier Nation - Start Young” to create awareness among youngsters and their parents on the importance of good nutrition.
Various activities held in conjunction with the event included a public speaking competition, health and nutrition talks, healthy cooking demonstration and health quiz for students.
