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According
to the National Taskforce on Obesity, children are consuming
large amounts of energy dense food which may be provided
in or outside the home.
A survey
in 2002 by Health Behaviour in School-aged Children (a World
Health Organization collaborative cross-national study)
showed that 51% of Irish children consumed sweets, 37% drank
fizzy drinks, 27% consumed crisps, 12% ate chips and 7%
ate hamburgers at least once daily. In addition, it is thought
that each additional glass of sugar-sweetened drink that
children consume every day greatly increases the risk of
becoming obese. |
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| Schools
are in position to directly tackle the problem of obesity
promoting behaviour among children through education and
school policies such as limiting the amount of energy dense
food children can consume during school hours. The Food
Dudes Programme reinforces lessons being taught regarding
healthy nutrition and helps to create a culture of healthy
eating within the school environment.
Benefits
of Fruit and Vegetable Consumption
Fruit
and veg:
- Contain
high levels of vitamins, minerals, nutrients, fibre
and antioxidants, all essentials in the efficient
functioning of the body.
- Have
been shown to reduce the risk of heart disease,
stroke and cancer by up to 20%.
- Combat
incidence of asthma, diabetes, colds and flus.
- Improve
the overall quality of the diet through eating healthily,
which helps to reduce the risk of obesity.
-
Improve sleeping patterns leading to better concentration
and behaviour.
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