In today’s world, we see more and more children struggling with obesity, diabetes, and lifestyle-related illnesses at a very young age. Recently, I came across a child who was born with diabetes and needs insulin every alternate day. It made me stop and think, how did this happen? His parents do not have diabetes, yet he has been living with it since birth.
We often say that every body type is different, and that is true—some people gain weight easily, while others do not. But the bigger question remains: why are such conditions increasing so rapidly among children and youngsters? Our grandparents lived long, healthy lives, many reaching ninety or even a hundred years of age, without these diseases being so common.
Look around us today. Fast food stalls and sugary drinks are everywhere, attracting children and youngsters. Rarely do we see a cart selling fresh fruits, salads, or healthy snacks. Junk food has become the new normal. As parents and guardians, we need to wake up. A child may “not eat much,” but are we paying attention to what they actually eat? The sweets, packaged snacks, and soft drinks we often consider harmless are slowly causing long-term damage. Along with that comes a lack of physical activity and excessive screen time. The phone has become a constant companion, while outdoor play has almost disappeared.
Healthy eating and regular exercise are not just about fitness; they are about life and longevity. It is time to bring back balanced meals, home-cooked food, and outdoor games. Let us educate our children that health is the real wealth. If we do not make a change today, it will be the next generation that suffers tomorrow.
A punch of advice for the adults too: “Eat your food like medicine, lest you will have to eat medicines like food.”
Savion Fernandes, Catechist