Patna: Low vision, obesity common problems among kids

By: Prerna Sharma
PATNA: Eyesight problems due to use of cellphones and obesity were found to be common issues during a health camp organised by the alumni association of St Michael’s High School (SMHS) on the school campus on Saturday.
Around 1,230 students of classes VI to VIII were checked during the camp. Altogether 36 doctors, all former students of the school, conducted the camp.Ayurveda mentoring and guidance on healthy living through one-on-one conversation were the highlights of the camp.
“It is quite evident that students are facing problems with eyesight due to the use of cellphones. Through such small initiatives, we, the alumni of the school, contribute our bit in ensuring good health of the students,” said Dr Manish Mandal, medical superintendent at India Gandhi Institute of Medical Sciences (IGIMS) and former president of St Michael’s Alumni Association.
“Most students are doing well, but a common problem prevalent among many of them is obesity, which needs to be controlled. We are trying to encourage the students to take proper diet through this health camp,” said Dr Mani Bhushan, a paediatrician and alumnus of the school.
“I am here to make students and parents aware about cervical cancer prevention steps, especially for girls below the age of 26 years,” said gynaecologist Dr Jyotsna Rani.
Lauding the initiative, SMHS acting principal Father Mathew P I SJ said, “This initiative by Alumni Association of St Michael’s is of great benefit for the students. It is also part of our social responsibility, which is being fulfilled in a better manner by our school. I would like to appreciate the commendable work done by the doctors for taking out their time for this selfless service to our students.”
“Periodic health check-up is very necessary as a healthy mind resides in a healthy body. So, it’s good to have the health camp organised on our own campus,” said Marie D’ Cruze, vice-principal of the school.
Vivek Sinha, secretary, St Michael’s Alumni Association, said the basic idea behind organising the health camps was to “give back to the alma mater”. Sunny Agarwal, joint secretary of the Alumni Association, said, “We see this camp as our contribution to the society and nation to ensure that the younger generation is fit and healthy.”