Parents of four- and five-year-old children received messages of this content. True, not here, but in Britain. But if you remember the recent initiative to introduce weight loss lessons in schools, then what the hell is not kidding.
It is much easier to prevent than to cure – a beautiful truth in its simplicity. It was she who guided the National Health Service of England, testing children for excess weight.
– Studies have shown that a small amount of parental intervention is enough to make the child’s lifestyle healthier. This is a great investment in his future health, the National Service is confident.
The interests of children are above all. Therefore, if, according to the test results, a student suddenly showed excess weight or preconditions for the appearance of such, school nurses contacted the parents and gave recommendations on what to do to avoid problems.
“A proactive approach to healthy lifestyles is genuine support, a measure that really works, makes a difference in children’s lives,” health officials said.
Children were tested for excess weight by calculating the body mass index: square the height in centimeters and divide by the weight in kilograms. The formula is simple and therefore does not always justify itself: it does not take into account the level of muscle mass or the body type of a person. But the British decided that this was enough.
As a result, letters of very unpleasant content began to come to parents from schools.
“Your child weighs too much for his age, height and gender,” said the message that the parents of four-year-old Roxanne Tall received. “This will lead to the fact that the child will have health problems: early diabetes, high blood pressure.” In addition, doctors predicted a low level of self-esteem for the child.
– We were shocked. It seems as if we are only doing what we are feeding the child with sweets. But this is not the case! Roxana is very active, she is not overweight, – the girl’s parents were outraged. – How can you even instill in children at such an early age complexes about their weight?
Roxana, by the way, with an increase of 110,4 centimeters, weighed 23,6 kilograms. According to the classic child development charts, this is a bit too much for a four-year-old. But Roxana’s height is also not classic – much higher than average.
The same letter was received by the parents of five-year-old Jake. Height – 112,5 centimeters, weight – 22,5 kilograms. Jake does have health problems: he has a cognitive impairment. A year ago, he underwent brain surgery.
– Jake is a big guy, he grows not for his age. He now has the size of a seven-year-old. He has special needs and a number of problems that could affect his weight. But he is not obese, – Jake’s mom shared with The Sun.
Outraged parents went to school to talk to teachers about the outrageous letters. But the teachers were shocked no less than the mothers and fathers themselves. They knew nothing about the letters, because it was an initiative to unite school doctors.
Yes, it looks like the initiative has failed. The issue of child development can hardly be approached so simply – calculate the body mass index, and that’s all. However, there is another side to the issue.
“And he’s not fat, everyone in our family is so dense,” the lady shouted, leaving the endocrinologist’s office, dragging her little son with her. – Excess weight, what nonsense!
The door slammed, the lady caught her breath, released the child’s hand and reached into her purse. She took out two sneakers. One for himself, the other for his son. Unfolded, gnawed their teeth – apparently, the stress of the sweet seize. But both of them were not that dense. They were just square.
Looking at them, I think: the initiative is not bad. Just a little unfinished. What do you think? Should parents be encouraged to lead healthier lives?