School Session Starts: Balanced Diet Fuels Students' Learning, Health

KUALA LUMPUR, Feb 18 (Bernama) -- Nutritious food is not only essential for health but also plays a crucial factor in determining students' academic success.

Children with a well-balanced diet are more likely to stay focused in class, perform better academically, and have a stronger immune system.

Dr Yong Junina Fadzil, a consultant paediatrician and paediatric cardiologist at WQ Park Health and Rehabilitation Centre in Kelana Jaya, said a nutritious breakfast provides energy and helps students concentrate throughout their school day.

"Easy-to-prepare food, especially for working parents - such as cereals, milk and bread - are suitable in ensuring children have enough energy at school.

"A well-balanced diet enables them to grow at a normal rate, stay active, have a healthy mind, maintain a normal growth and weight pattern and reduces their illness risk," she told Bernama.

As such, National Parent-Teacher Association Consultative Council (PIBGN) president Assoc Prof Datuk Dr Mohamad Ali Hasan, urged parents to prepare breakfast for their children before school, even if they face time constraints due to work.

"Although everyone experiences time constraints, a simple meal ensures children don’t go to school on an empty stomach," he said.

Additionally, he proposed establishing a joint committee involving PIBGN and canteen operators to ensure that the food sold at schools is nutritious and reasonably priced.

Mohamad Ali said affordable food prices could also help students from underprivileged families cope with the rising cost of living.

"This committee should not only oversee school canteens but also monitor street vendors selling food or snacks outside schools. We want to ensure that the food sold does not pose any health risks to students," he added.

-- BERNAMA