Start sugar, salt boards in schools to address rising health issues among kids: Experts

Mysuru: The Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE) has made the establishment of 'Sugar Boards' in schools compulsory to monitor and reduce sugar intake among children. Now, experts are demanding the introduction of both Sugar and Salt Boards in all state-affiliated schools, citing findings that lifestyle-related disorders are on the rise among students.According to experts, fast food and junk food have become a regular part of children's diets today, irrespective of the schools they attend. They stress the need to educate children about bad cholesterol as well, warning that society may otherwise pay a heavy price in the future.Neurologist Dr Shushrutha Gowda observed that rising instances of hypertension and juvenile diabetes call for urgent govt intervention in state, in line with CBSE norms. "Excessive consumption of salt and sugar is causing various health problems among children. Foods with high salt and sugar content, which children consume beyond recommended limits, can lead to long-term health complications," he warned."Today, junk food is easily available everywhere. There are no cautionary pictorial warnings, even though experts are aware that such foods are not good for children," he said.Citing recent studies indicating a rising prevalence of juvenile hypertension and diabetes, along with childhood obesity, he stated that urgent public health intervention is required to ensure the promotion and adoption of healthy dietary practices among children."Sugar, Salt Boards are not expensive to implement. Educating children about healthy eating habits should be an integral part of school education. Otherwise, future generations may face serious health issues," Dr Gowda added.Komala M, professor in human development and family studies at the University of Mysore (UoM), said the issues of both obesity and anaemia among children need to be addressed at the school level. "I advise stakeholders to introduce the home science subject from primary school itself to sensitise children about diet and healthy food habits," she said."Obesity is a challenge in urban areas, while anaemia continues to prevail in villages. The need of the hour is to recruit nutritionists at the school level to guide both children and parents," she said."Junk food and bakery items have now reached rural areas as well. Hence, there is a need to create awareness about the impact of the food children consume, including items high in sugar and salt, and beverages," she added.D Shashi Kumar, general secretary of the Associated Managements of Primary and Secondary Schools (KAMS), also urged the state govt to issue clear guidelines on Sugar, Salt boards. "Junk food and products high in bad cholesterol are posing serious problems for children's health. The issue needs to be addressed through sustained awareness," he said.

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