According to studies 7 out of 10 children (1–19 years) are micronutrient deficient. Female adolescents are at higher risk of anemia, iron and vitamin D deficiency.
Nutrition is foremost for growth and development of children. Parents provide best diet to their children but sometimes nutritional deficiencies go unnoticed. Children may look healthy or normal still have micronutrient deficiencies. Let’s understand how can we deal with this silent health crisis.
Malnutrition means not getting the right amount of nutrients. This includes both not eating enough (undernutrition) and eating too much or the wrong kinds of food (over-nutrition).
Micronutrient deficiency means the body doesn’t get enough essential vitamins and minerals which are required in small amounts to grow and stay healthy.
Lack of micronutrients can lead to physical and mental developmental problems in children. It increases diseases and degrades potential. Micronutrient deficiency is seen worldwide. Its signs are not visible therefore it is referred as “hidden hunger”.
Traditional school health programs often overlook nutritional deficiencies, potentially missing critical early signs. Advanced nutritional assessments can identify micronutrient gaps at the right age, supporting balanced diet plans for children. However, factors like limited awareness, budget constraints, lack of parental support, and time pressures in schools often prevent a comprehensive approach to nutritional screening.
Vigour360's School Health Checkup offers a non-invasive, cost-effective, AI-enabled nutritional assessment for students, seamlessly integrated into school routines without disrupting their schedules.
There is a growing need to incorporate nutrition-specific assessments to address the unique dietary needs of children.
Early detection of micronutrient deficiencies, such as iron, vitamin D, calcium, and essential fatty acids, is crucial for preventing long-term health issues. Integrating advanced nutritional assessments can bridge this gap, ensuring that children receive personalized dietary guidance. This approach can help setting the foundation for a healthier future.
The Ayushman Bharat initiative, launched by the Government of India, aims to provide universal healthcare coverage and improve the overall health of the population, including school-aged children. Under this program, the Health and Wellness Centers (HWCs) play a pivotal role in delivering preventive and promotive healthcare services.
By integrating nutrition-specific assessments into these centers, schools can leverage government support to provide comprehensive health screenings. This approach not only reduces the financial burden on families but also ensures that no child is left behind in terms of essential health services.
Parental involvement is a critical component of a successful school health program. Educating parents about the importance of balanced nutrition, portion control, and healthy eating habits can significantly improve a child’s dietary choices. Nutritional counseling can help parents understand their child’s unique nutritional needs, address common misconceptions about diet, and provide practical tips for incorporating nutrient-rich foods into daily meals. Schools can foster this understanding through regular workshops, informative newsletters, and personalized counseling sessions, creating a supportive environment for lifelong health.
To truly support student well-being, schools should adopt a holistic approach to health assessments that go beyond basic height and weight measurements. Introducing comprehensive health program can provide a clearer picture of each child's physical, nutritional, and mental health.
This approach encourages collaboration between schools, pediatricians, nutritionists, ensuring a personalized care plan for every student. Nutrition should be seen as the foundation of learning, directly impacting concentration, cognitive development, and academic performance. Schools that prioritize regular, data-driven health checkups are better positioned to support the long-term success and well-being of their students.
The Vigour360 School Health Program effortlessly integrates AI-powered health checkups into regular school hours, helping students reach their full potential. Connect now!
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