Teaching nutrition in the primary school setting : recommendations for the development of a national strategy for Malta

Abstract

Children are a nation’s most important natural resource and their health, knowledge and capabilities can determine a country’s future. Yet health and education are intertwined. Justifying the need to take local action for creating Health Promoting Schools, Dr. Desmond O'Byrne from the World Health Organisation Health Promotion Office has stated, “Good health supports successful learning. Successful learning supports health. Education and health are inseparable.” (WHO, 2001, p.1) Nutrition – what people eat – is known to be one of the key factors influencing health and school performance. However, research into the health of schoolchildren has shown that there are significant concerns about their current and future well-being; in particular due to an increase in rates of overweight and obesity and related conditions, greater reliance on fast foods, decline in the social practice of families sitting down to eat together, and lack of food selection and preparation skills. (Dixey, Heindl, Loureiro, Perez-Rodrigo, Snel & Warnking, 1999) There is evidence that the impaired childhood growth and development that result from poor nutrition are linked to chronic disease in adulthood. (Cabellero, 2001) In addition, poorly nourished children, particularly those who are overweight or obese, often experience significant social and psychological problems. (Janssen, Craig, Boyce & Pickett, 2004) Maltese schoolchildren are no exception to these trends. Available data indicate that Maltese children are among the most overweight and obese globally and that dietary habits are not in line with current expert recommendations. (Cortis, 2005; Currie et al., 2004; Formosa, 2004; Piscopo, 2004; Cassar, Chircop & Falzon, 2003; Borg & Fenech, 2001) [excerpt from Introduction]