About 10% of children aged five are overweight, while 43% of obese children are likely to stay obese as adults, according to Singapore’s Health Promotion Board.
Nutritionists have been engaged to teach the young children between four and six years old to “eat smart” through workshops imparting the importance of good and balanced nutrition. At the same time, ActiveSG, Singapore’s national movement for sport and activity, will have coaches to lead the kids through a series of activities and games that will develop their fundamental movements and agility. The coaches will also share good habits on nutrition, screen time, sleep and physical activity.
This Nurture Kids programme is being run in eight preschools that have volunteered to incorporate it into their curriculum. After 10 weeks, an assessment will be held to evaluate the programme’s effectiveness.
Nurture Kids aims to inculcate in the children healthy eating and active living habits that will offer long-term benefits for their health.