Originally published February 7 2006
New Barbados program aims to correct eating habits that have increased type 2 diabetes in children
by Mike Adams, the Health Ranger, NaturalNews Editor
Zonia Phillips, working for the Diabetes Association of Barbados, is overseeing the introduction of a program called Healthy Snacking Through Garden-based Learning into primary schools, which aims to reduce the number of Barbadian children who develop type 2 diabetes.
Thats the suggestion from nutritionist Zonia Phillips who noted that in a couple of schools, there is at least one child with diabetes.
She explained that of the two types of diabetes Type 1 and Type 2, the latter was now being noticed in younger children who have to take tablets.
Phillips maintained however that the situation was not because of lack of information, because there was always information in the media about healthy lifestyles and suggested that it could be because of the availability of unhealthy food.
She added that a cost factor may also be involved because people buy on cost, and were not really looking at value.
Phillips is the co-ordinator of a new Healthy Snacking Through Garden-based Learning programme introduced to some primary schools by the Diabetes Association of Barbados.
The nutritionist explained that the programme started last year because the association was getting reports of a high incidence of Adult Type diabetes in children.
Although it is presently at four primary schools, the programme is bearing fruit, because Phillips said that parents were no longer allowed to bring soft drinks to parent activities and snacks that children bring to school were being looked at.
The project is to increase awareness of snacking behaviours and offer healthier alternatives and stimulate discussion about diabetes its causes and prevention.
We make things with fruit, because were trying to increase the intake of fruit and vegetables.
Were also looking at calcium and iron, because studies show that if calcium is not laid down at an early age there will be problems later on in their adult life with bone development and we have therefore introduced yoghurt and whole grains, Phillips said.
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