Anti-obesity program sa mga school

MAHALAGANG impormasyon ang inilahad ng National Nutrition Council (NNC) tungkol sa pagiging mataba at sobra sa timbang umano ng ilang kababayan.

Ayon sa NNC, “Overweight and obesity are growing problems in the Philippines and in the world… posing serious health consequences… including type-2 diabetes, cardiovascular diseases (heart disease and stroke), several forms of cancer (endometrial, breast and colon), and musculo-skeletal disorders like osteoarthritis. Maternal obesity has been linked to increased risk of congenital abnormalities.”

Base umano sa impormasyon, overweight o obese ang 31.1% ng mga Pilipino, at karamihan nito ay kabataan, partikular ang 4.9% ng mga preschool children (mula sa 2% noong 1998) at 8.3% naman ng nasa 10-19 years old age group (mula 5.8% noong 2003). Sabi naman ng Philippine Association for the Study of Overweight and Obesity (PASOO), “A high percentage (86%) of the at-risk students… were found to be physically inactive. Policies and programs must be formulated to help them…”

Kaugnay nito, ipinupursige ni Sen. Jinggoy Ejercito Estrada ang Senate Bill 2873 (Anti-Obesity Education Program Act). Aniya, “This measure seeks to promote health and wellness of Filipino students by making it mandatory to include anti-obesity education program and exercise including play and traditional Filipino games in the curricula.”

Alinsunod sa panukala:

The following shall be the requirements for Physical Education programs for educational levels:

A.) Pre-School and Kindergarten: Program design to help them work and play with others, express themselves, learn to use and manage their bodies and extend their interests and understanding of the world around them… with attention given to experiences relating to the development of life skills and human growth and development. For 200 minutes each 10 days.

B.) Elementary: Movement experiences and body mechanics, fitness and rhythmic activities, increased cardiovascular endurance, muscular strength, and sports and games, for 200 minutes each 10 days.

C.) High School: Activities that increase cardiovascular endurance, muscle strength and flexibility, and sports and games, for 400 minutes each 10 days.