A survey pointing out that 68 per cent of pupils in the UAE do not exercise enough is shocking and immediate steps need to be taken to raise awareness about a healthy lifestyle. The study was part of a Unicef programme aimed at fighting the increasing rate of obesity among children in the country. The data also revealed that 21 per cent of students do not drink milk and 55 per cent do not eat fruit.
Children must be taught early the importance of eating right and exercising. Often they tend to pick up habits from home and, when left to themselves, choose to eat unhealthy food. Parents have a huge role to play in offering children good nutrition rather than give in to their whims. When it comes to exercising, children sometimes find they do not have time to play or place to go to swing their arms around. But most often the need to do so is not inculcated in them.
The role played by schools, too, is important in this regard. Schools must ensure that adequate time is given to children to play games and stay healthy.
