162 students and their parents participate in the event conducted by Columbia Asia Hospital and Delhi Public School

Mysore/Mysuru: Columbia Asia Hospital, Mysuru, in association with Delhi Public School, had organised a session on “Children and their new lifestyle amidst the pandemic and a healthy diet” for the students of Delhi Public School on Nov. 17. 

The online session was on the impact of pandemic on their lifestyle and how they can overcome the stress and other changes they are going through in the last few months. 

While addressing the students, Dr.Bhuvaneshwar, Consultant Paediatrician, Columbia Asia Hospital, highlighted on the sudden change in lifestyle that the students are facing in the recent days. He said “The pandemic has impacted the overall activity of the children from schooling to the outdoor games. Kids are glued to the laptop and TV screen most of the time and they are unable to step out for any of the outdoor activities. There is lack of interpersonal communication with the teachers and friends thereby voiding them of social development. Although, all these activities look normal now, it can impact the overall development of a child.” 

The session covered topics on the change in education method during COVID times, stress and health issues faced by the children and what measures can be taken to avoid this. 

Few pointers discussed during the webinar session are:

Increased screen time: Online classes have increased the screen time of kids during their school hours as well as rest of the day. Assignments and research is exposing them to more digital time. 

Solution: Engage kids in any hobby after the school hours like painting, gardening, crafts etc. 

Impact on posture: Maintaining right posture while sitting in front of the computer and laptop is important.

Solution: Don’t let them sit on the sofa or couch while attending classes. Make a proper table and chair arrangement and ensure their back is resting straight on the chair.

Lack of playtime: Playtime is also taken over by TV, laptop or video games as parents are worried to send the child outside the house. 

Solution: Engage them in indoor games. Try to play badminton or cricket with them inside the house gate. This can also give them physical activity.

Mental health: It has been observed that the pressure of online classes has affected the mental health of few kids as    they are unable to have physical interaction with their teachers and friends.

Solution: Discuss with them regularly about their classes. Encourage them to ask you questions. Meditation can also help in managing good mental health.

Sedentary lifestyle: Sedentary lifestyle is another problem which has affected the kids due to online classes as they do not step out of the house.

Solution: Exercising every day for 20-30 minutes helps to overcome this.

Talking about the online classes, Namrata Sharma, Principal, Delhi Public School, said “The session organised by Columbia Asia Hospital was informative for students to understand the change in lifestyle they are going through. We are happy to collaborate with the hospital for this educative session. To avoid any sort of stress or discomfort for our students during the class hours, we make it more interactive and encourage them toask questions.” 

Highlighting the importance of having a good diet during the online classes, Shifain, Dietitian, Columbia Asia Hospital, said “Eating healthy food is crucial to maintain a good health. As the kids are at home all thetime, they demand for junkfood. But the parents need to control the consumption of junk food by the kids.” 

Consuming fibre rich food is important.

Avoid junk food like pasta, pizza, deep fried snacks. Include nuts, seeds in the snack.

Make colourful salad to attract kids to eat more vegetables.

Add leafy vegetables in the diet.

Encourage kids to have all meals — Breakfast, lunch  and dinner.