Nutrition for health : an inspirational guide at primary level

Abstract

The aim of this long essay is to promote the importance of nutrition for health education in primary schools. It provides a programme for years 4, 5 and 6; where nutrition is taught through physical education and other cross-curricular subjects. Over 2,000 years ago, Hippocrates wrote: "Each of the substances of a man's diet act upon his body and changes it in some way; and upon these changes his whole life depends; whether he be in health, in sickness or convalescent" (Polunin, 1997) The first part of this long essay explains what is nutrition and what is understood by health, highlighting the link between these two. Further on, one will find information about the six basic nutrients, making it an easy reference if needed. Later on, basic keys to healthy eating and easy planning for a healthy diet are included. Chapter 5 includes some details with regards to health and nutrition in Malta according to the Department of Health. The last chapter deals with the nutrition programme. It describes what are the aims and objectives, mentioning the teaching aids and methods, and what the developmental result should be. The detailed programme is found in the appendix. This provides a step by step approach and guidance to teach nutrition. The programme provides various handouts, describes activities and illustrates certain figures to facilitate understanding.