Sunday, 29th June 2008

Tackling child obesity

Amanda Spiteri, Sliema

Lately we have been reading a lot about child obesity, following a survey held in some schools. What I cannot understand is this: Even though Malta has a very high rate of child obesity, there are no facilities, as far as I am aware, to help parents tackle this problem.

I am sure the government can come up with some solutions to make access easier and cheaper to certain facilities.

For example, in the UK, at the local swimming pool, one can pay for an hour's entrance to the pool. Upon entrance, a coloured wrist band is given to the swimmer depending on the hour of the day. After the hour is up, all swimmers with the band of that particular colour are asked to leave the water. The lifeguards on duty are there to ensure that this system is kept, obviously as well as ensuring the safety of all swimmers.

Can't the government come up with such a system for the national pool?

As it is one has to either pay for seasonal membership, or daily membership. When I last visited in April, the cost of a day's membership was about €18 for one adult and one child.

Within 45 minutes we left the pool as we were not there to spend the day, we only went for some exercise.

Another option would be gyms where children are allowed.

I am sure leading private firms in Malta can afford to set up a gym which is suitable for children; they would soon get their money back as there are many parents who would use such facilities.

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Comments

Steven Cilia (on 30/6/08)

Before any improvements can be seen in the health of our children, everyone must first understand that carbohydrates (sugar, potatoes and all forms of wheat) are the single, most harmful food category that exists. Carbohydrates are the culprit of most of our woes, and not fat. Fat is vital for the human body functions, and carbs are not. Before the health authorities realize and accept this fact, no progress can ever be achieved. Some minimal progress has been made, like in tuck shops in certain schools. However, it is futile to remove things like pastizzi and replace then with carb-laden cereal bars. A product which promotes itself as low in fat is undoubtedly high in carbs.
I think local councils can help promote more activity in their town. They should organize more children friendly activities which are free. They should also provide spaces for children to play ball games. Here in Mtarfa, we have a large football ground, and two 5-a-side football pitches with artificial turf. The downside: these are not available for kids who want to organize a spontaneous game of whatever. They have nowhere to play, just like in most towns in Malta.

V Farrugia (on 29/6/08)

This problem can be handled very cheaply. Making sure that all children get an hour of play at the local playing field should surely provide them with the necessary exercise to burn off what they eat, very cheaply of course. Of course their evenings can't be filled up with extra-curriculars unless they are sports.

Taxing sugary, fatty and most junk food is a good step forward from the government's side. If 'junk' is taxed heavily then people would have to eat less of it and more of the untaxed healthier options. Soft drinks should also be heavily taxed, they provide no nourishment, but create countless problems, from cavities, to obesity.

Also, an information campaign aimed at parents, and grandparents, highlighting the irresonsability of just stuffing children's face with a 'pakkett u coca' when instead they should have a piece of fruit , is called for. I see too many grandparents looking admirably on as an obese child chomps on yet another chocolate bar!

Yes, I do have a child. But she was raised having chocolate as a treat, and not a daily one. And no, at home she eats fruit, as when she opens the fridge, that's what she finds!

Liam Kelly (on 29/6/08)

Have to agree with Mr. Gatt...

Amanda just give your kids a ball. or take them to the beach or for a walk or give them a bike...the list is endless.

Surely your smart enough amanda to realise its your kids - your responsibility. Although Maria Dolores is looking at a range of initiatives to make it easier for you to perform your own duties as a responsible parent.

Regarding the point you made about UK swimming pools..quite frankly ive never heard of it and it certainly isnt in action in the part of the UK where i used to live.

Albert Bezzina (on 29/6/08)

Tax obesity at all levels. It can be called an eco-tax or a health expense surcharge. To maintain a single gained kilo in overweight one has to consume a kilo of food in excess of needs every week. 3 tons of excess food in a lifetime for every person for every kilo of over weight. Average overweight in Maltese is easily 10 kilos that's 200000 tons of food consumed in excess to requirements every year. Work out that in the CO2 emissions from food production and transport from eating too much!

WJ Gatt (on 29/6/08)

Why is it that whenever we come across a problem we always expect 'the government' to solve it for us? "The government should do this...the government should do that...".

Ms. Spiteri, how about encouraging people to get out of this social slumber and take initiative in solving their own problems? There are hosts of alternative sports activities our fat (and even 'fit') children can do. Why are you limiting your options solely to swimming? We get a fair share of it during these hot months. How about encouraging our children to take up a sport or a martial art?

I'm sure that besides providing the obvious health benefits, they can foster more discipline in our spoilt children who get whatever they ask for.

Tackling child obesity

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