To encourage healthy lifestyle choices for their children, mothers including Ayron Williams, Sandria Thompson and Kavell Moore last week shared how they are tackling the challenges they face. Share what you are overcoming.
Williams, a mother of five, said healthy eating and physical activity are very important for children.
“You have to eat healthy and drink lots of water,” she said.
Williams emphasized the importance of instilling a healthy lifestyle in children from an early age, but acknowledged there are financial constraints when it comes to buying fruits and vegetables. To cope with this problem, she buys produce on weekends when prices are lower. She recognizes that other mothers are struggling as well. Williams is encouraging parents with financial challenges to sell their products in downtown Kingston to support their children's nutritional needs.
Meanwhile, Moore shared a cost-effective approach by purchasing seasonal fruit in bulk to provide a healthy diet at an affordable price. Moore recognizes the potential health risks for children at a young age and encourages them to eat a diet rich in fruits, vegetables, and plenty of water. She makes it a habit to prepare fruit for her children, making it a more approachable and appealing option than snacks.
Thompson, another determined mother, echoes Williams' sentiments, stressing the importance of raising children with healthy diets from an early age.
early start
“If you start your child early, they'll get used to it after a while,” Thompson said.
She limits her child's starch and sugar intake by giving him more fruit drinks and lots of water. She said raising children with unhealthy eating habits can lead to long-term problems and make the habit difficult to break.
An ongoing effort to promote a healthier Jamaica, the Jamaica Moves program in schools has gained significant traction and been adopted by many schools. Public Health Education Officer Zoe Wellington said it was important for children to understand physical activity, healthy eating and good health habits. She represented Jamaica Moves at the “Know Your Numbers'' screening campaign held in downtown Kingston last Thursday.
One of the highlights of this initiative is National School Relocation Day, which is designated every last Friday in April. Schools across the island are encouraged to participate enthusiastically in this event by involving parents, teachers and students to make everyone aware of this national event.
“The Ministry of Education is also fully cooperating and encouraging more schools to join the programme. Schools have approached us to launch this programme, and we are thrilled by the positive response. “We are working hard,” Wellington said.
Parents like Williams, Thompson, and Moore are essential to the success of the Jamaica Move program.
Williams celebrates her son's improved health thanks to healthy eating, while Thompson's children live a nutritious lifestyle and Moore's children stay active through soccer and dance. is active in
With the recognition of World Cancer Day yesterday, the Jamaica Move Program continues to raise awareness and promote healthy strategies for the early prevention of various health problems such as obesity, diabetes, high blood pressure and cancer. It emphasizes the importance of a healthy lifestyle.
Wellington hopes that individuals will become more sensitive to cancer-related issues to promote healthier lifestyles, and the joint efforts of parents, teachers and health authorities will lead to a healthier Jamaica. The path is gradually opening.
Michaelia Kington
