Students are encouraged by Minister of Health and Human Services Dr. Christopher Tufton to make physical activity a healthy lifestyle habit.
He recommends identifying activities that you can actively participate in every day, things that you particularly enjoy.
“If you like to run, run around the house. If you like to walk, go outside and walk for 30 minutes. If you like to swim and can do it, go for a little swim. If you like to hike, Go for a hike,” the minister said.
He spoke at a National School Relocation Day event on April 26 at Manchester High School in Mandeville.
Tufton pointed out that a significant number of young people are fascinated by technology and focus on devices such as smartphones rather than physically interacting with friends and colleagues.
This situation is further exacerbated by his exposure to attractively packaged ultra-processed foods advertised through the media he regularly accesses, which in turn leads him to engage in activities that align with a healthier lifestyle. He said people are sometimes tempted to spend more time snacking than eating.
Mr Tufton said this level of physical inactivity and nutritional choices meant that too many young people were now suffering from lifestyle-related diseases, with diabetes, high blood pressure and obesity being the most common.
“All of these things are going to affect them for years to come. So they may not feel it right now, but as parents, guardians, teachers, administrators, we… We need to do more to encourage our kids to get out and away from their smartphones, stay away from the internet, and avoid some of the greasy, salty, sweet, fatty, and ultra-processed snacks…and the basics. Let's go back to [healthy] “Lifestyle,” he emphasized.
Mr Tufton also encouraged teachers to take steps to encourage children to get out of the classroom during recess and, as long as they are healthy and sound, to go outdoors and be physically active, saying this would be “good for the kids. ” he added.
Meanwhile, Minister of State for Education and Youth Affairs Marcia Smith encouraged students to embrace and recognize the importance of National School Mobility Day.
She said one of the best ways to protect yourself from lifestyle-related diseases is to be physically active.
“We want people to think of physical activity as important medicine for keeping their bodies, minds and spirits healthy,” she said.
Manchester High School Principal Jasford Gabriel also emphasized the importance of physical activity.
“There is a close correlation between physical fitness and mental agility. This means you [will] “When I have more energy, I can work harder at school,” he said.
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