As the school year kicks off, Brock University experts are highlighting the crucial role of nutrition and exercise in children’s overall health and development. While classroom learning is vital, the quality of students’ meals and their physical activity during recess are equally important.
Nutrition in Schools
Michelle Vine, Assistant Professor of Health Sciences at Brock University, underscores the significance of planning nutritious meals for children, especially given the prevalence of processed foods around schools. “Preparing balanced lunches can help align with the recommendations of Canada’s Food Guide, but implementing these recommendations can be challenging,” Vine notes.
For high school students, the temptation of unhealthy food choices increases, as they often have access to a variety of less nutritious options. The Ontario School Food and Beverage Policy mandates that at least 80% of food sold in schools must be healthful, including items like vegetables, whole grain breads, and unsweetened apple sauce. However, foods with higher levels of fat, sodium, and sugar can make up up to 20% of the offerings.Set featured image
Vine highlights a common issue: “Prices for healthier options in cafeterias are often higher, leading students with limited funds to purchase cheaper, less nutritious food off-campus.”
Tips for Healthy Eating
To support healthier eating habits, Vine offers several recommendations for parents and school officials:
Involve Kids: Engage children in discussions about food and include them in grocery shopping and meal preparation.
Pack Whole Foods: Include vegetables and fruits in lunches and avoid processed foods like high-fat potato chips and sugary drinks.
Provide Water: Send children with a water bottle to stay hydrated throughout the day.
Offer Variety: Pack a range of snacks to cater to picky eaters, rather than relying on one large meal.
Collaborate: Teachers with nutrition expertise can work with cafeteria staff to ensure menus meet students’ needs and comply with government policies.
Student Nutritional Program: Check with local agencies for details on government-supported nutritional programs.
The Role of Exercise
Professor Bareket Falk, a pediatric exercise physiologist and Professor of Kinesiology, emphasizes the link between physical activity and bone health. “Osteoporosis is often thought of as an elderly condition, but it actually starts in childhood,” Falk explains. She stresses that while exercise can slow bone loss in older age, it is during childhood and adolescence that interventions like exercise and proper nutrition can significantly increase bone mass.
Falk highlights that bone health is closely connected to muscle health. “Muscle contractions during exercise, particularly resistance training, are crucial for increasing bone mass,” she says. Despite concerns, studies have shown that strength training, when done correctly, does not hinder growth potential and carries a lower risk of injury for children compared to adults.
Physical Activity Recommendations
Falk advises that children should engage in at least 60 minutes of moderate-to-vigorous physical activity daily, alongside muscle-strengthening exercises at least three times a week. These activities not only promote bone health but also support overall physical development and an active lifestyle.
Conclusion
As students return to school, integrating healthy eating practices and regular exercise into their routines can lay a solid foundation for their overall well-being. Brock University experts encourage parents, teachers, and school officials to prioritize nutrition and physical activity to support the health and development of children.